Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in San Bruno, CA

Photo of Michele Dorn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michele Dorn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
Hi! My name is Michele Dorn, and I am a Marriage Family Therapist in Orange County, California. I see clients throughout the state via telehealth services. I work with children adolescents and adults. I specialize in executive dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and related disorders impeding academic, social, emotional and/or behavioral issues. My main drive is to assist you on your journey to improve your life. My approach to therapy is predominantly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy although I use different modalities as my client's needs arise.
Hi! My name is Michele Dorn, and I am a Marriage Family Therapist in Orange County, California. I see clients throughout the state via telehealth services. I work with children adolescents and adults. I specialize in executive dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and related disorders impeding academic, social, emotional and/or behavioral issues. My main drive is to assist you on your journey to improve your life. My approach to therapy is predominantly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy although I use different modalities as my client's needs arise.
(650) 582-3114 View (650) 582-3114
Photo of Cynthia Carter, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy as both modalities help me to provide my clients with a safe space to talk, help them realize their full potential, and make positive changes in their life.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy as both modalities help me to provide my clients with a safe space to talk, help them realize their full potential, and make positive changes in their life.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
(650) 297-8233 View (650) 297-8233
Photo of Moniecia Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Moniecia Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My practice is client-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based, drawing from different therapeutic practices such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavior therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy, to name a few.
In this space, you are safe! Let’s be real; making the decision to embark on the path of healing is not an endeavor to be taken lightly, as it requires patience, vulnerability, and courage. Whether these are your first steps or continuing, thank you for being here. With that said, I am passionate about helping my clients unravel physical, mental, and emotional layers to find the root causes of problems and develop self-awareness and strong coping skills in order to navigate through life as their best selves.
My practice is client-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based, drawing from different therapeutic practices such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavior therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy, to name a few.
In this space, you are safe! Let’s be real; making the decision to embark on the path of healing is not an endeavor to be taken lightly, as it requires patience, vulnerability, and courage. Whether these are your first steps or continuing, thank you for being here. With that said, I am passionate about helping my clients unravel physical, mental, and emotional layers to find the root causes of problems and develop self-awareness and strong coping skills in order to navigate through life as their best selves.
(650) 718-8048 View (650) 718-8048
Photo of Oscar F Cervantes, PhD, Psychologist
Oscar F Cervantes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
Dr. Oscar F. Cervantes is a bicultural, Spanish/English bilingual clinical psychologist with a Masters in Sciences in Clinical Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with over 34 years of academic and clinical experience. He has privileges in some of the most prestigious hospitals in the Bay Area. Dr. Cervantes specializes in cross-cultural psychology, mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral medicine. In addition to his private practice, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School Department of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Oscar F. Cervantes is a bicultural, Spanish/English bilingual clinical psychologist with a Masters in Sciences in Clinical Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with over 34 years of academic and clinical experience. He has privileges in some of the most prestigious hospitals in the Bay Area. Dr. Cervantes specializes in cross-cultural psychology, mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral medicine. In addition to his private practice, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School Department of Internal Medicine.
(650) 589-9442 View (650) 589-9442
Photo of Louise Zervas Houchin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Louise Zervas Houchin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
Healing happens within the context of a respectful, caring and nonjudgemental therapeutic relationship. When we work together, you can be yourself. I want to see you and help you to understand yourself in new ways. I am direct, while also gentle. I hold a lot of space for empathy and understanding, and building trust. And of course, there is always room for humor on any journey! I use a combination of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral (or "talk") therapy, expressive arts, music and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to connect with you and help guide you toward feeling like the best version of yourself.
Healing happens within the context of a respectful, caring and nonjudgemental therapeutic relationship. When we work together, you can be yourself. I want to see you and help you to understand yourself in new ways. I am direct, while also gentle. I hold a lot of space for empathy and understanding, and building trust. And of course, there is always room for humor on any journey! I use a combination of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral (or "talk") therapy, expressive arts, music and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to connect with you and help guide you toward feeling like the best version of yourself.
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Photo of Irina Strekalova, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Irina Strekalova
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I found that Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused therapy in conjunction with Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM (trauma resiliency model) work well for most people.
Hello, my name is Irina Strekalova and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, life transition difficulties, relationship problems using different approaches to help client to achieve their goals. I assist clients through life transitions and challenges that lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, relationship problems, or negative behaviors they would like to change.
I found that Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused therapy in conjunction with Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM (trauma resiliency model) work well for most people.
Hello, my name is Irina Strekalova and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, life transition difficulties, relationship problems using different approaches to help client to achieve their goals. I assist clients through life transitions and challenges that lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, relationship problems, or negative behaviors they would like to change.
(650) 334-0206 View (650) 334-0206
Photo of Marilyn Harding, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marilyn Harding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Gottman method.
Welcome! If you are reading this, perhaps you have been feeling overwhelmed and worried, grieving a loss, or having difficulty with relationships. Whether you are living with depression or anxiety, we will work together toward understanding your deeper issues, and defining your goals. I will then offer you some tools for treatment, based on my clinical expertise. Together, we will find a path toward healing, one that defines a life that is meaningful to you, and leads to an increased sense of authenticity and well being.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and the Gottman method.
Welcome! If you are reading this, perhaps you have been feeling overwhelmed and worried, grieving a loss, or having difficulty with relationships. Whether you are living with depression or anxiety, we will work together toward understanding your deeper issues, and defining your goals. I will then offer you some tools for treatment, based on my clinical expertise. Together, we will find a path toward healing, one that defines a life that is meaningful to you, and leads to an increased sense of authenticity and well being.
(650) 830-9025 View (650) 830-9025
Photo of Cheryl Heinla, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl Heinla
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
Hi there, I'm Cheryl Heinla and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) residing in the Bay Area. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples. My key areas of interest and experience are anxiety, grief, couples dynamics, family of origin impact, life transitions, relational challenges, and trauma history. My approaches are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused, short-term solution-focused; and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl Heinla and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) residing in the Bay Area. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples. My key areas of interest and experience are anxiety, grief, couples dynamics, family of origin impact, life transitions, relational challenges, and trauma history. My approaches are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused, short-term solution-focused; and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples.
(650) 629-0915 View (650) 629-0915
Photo of Nicole McElderry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole McElderry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I specialize in mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Hi there, my name is Nicole McElderry. I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with a focus on client centered and holistic approach to therapy. I work collaboratively with clients to help you achieve your goals and help you step into the life you want to be living. I have worked extensively in rural settings where wearing many hats professionally and thinking outside the box is required. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, domestic violence survivors, adoptive and foster families, and veterans.
I specialize in mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Hi there, my name is Nicole McElderry. I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with a focus on client centered and holistic approach to therapy. I work collaboratively with clients to help you achieve your goals and help you step into the life you want to be living. I have worked extensively in rural settings where wearing many hats professionally and thinking outside the box is required. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, domestic violence survivors, adoptive and foster families, and veterans.
(951) 744-9260 View (951) 744-9260
Photo of Adria Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adria Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My experience includes over fifteen years of working with Adults and Teens toward healing, growth, and necessary change. My approach couples warmth and openness with practical strategies and guidance to explore new ways of coping and healing. In my work, I focus on connecting people with their values and strengths to navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and the challenges we face across our lifespans. I am well-practiced in DBT and CBT and also recognize the importance of openly sharing in a safe and supportive space.
My experience includes over fifteen years of working with Adults and Teens toward healing, growth, and necessary change. My approach couples warmth and openness with practical strategies and guidance to explore new ways of coping and healing. In my work, I focus on connecting people with their values and strengths to navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and the challenges we face across our lifespans. I am well-practiced in DBT and CBT and also recognize the importance of openly sharing in a safe and supportive space.
(951) 356-7416 View (951) 356-7416
Photo of Tina Paxton, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tina Paxton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My name is Tina Paxton. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been providing therapy for the last 12 years in the State of California. I provide Problem-Solving Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, divorce/separation, child custody/co-parenting, life transitions, peri-natal/post-partum depression, new parents, parenting issues, ADHD, and work issues.
My name is Tina Paxton. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been providing therapy for the last 12 years in the State of California. I provide Problem-Solving Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, divorce/separation, child custody/co-parenting, life transitions, peri-natal/post-partum depression, new parents, parenting issues, ADHD, and work issues.
(805) 973-0299 View (805) 973-0299
Photo of Andrew G Meyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrew G Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I provide compassionate, conscientious and meaningful psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals seeking to overcome difficult life circumstances, understand/manage emotions, or to those simply seeking self-growth or personal/career development. With twenty plus years as a practicing psychotherapist, having worked with diverse ethnicities, races, ages and sexual orientations, I have vast skills/resources and experience to offer/impart. My approaches/technique includes an eclectic mix of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Jungian, Gestaltian, and some Buddhist philosophy.
I provide compassionate, conscientious and meaningful psychotherapeutic treatment to individuals seeking to overcome difficult life circumstances, understand/manage emotions, or to those simply seeking self-growth or personal/career development. With twenty plus years as a practicing psychotherapist, having worked with diverse ethnicities, races, ages and sexual orientations, I have vast skills/resources and experience to offer/impart. My approaches/technique includes an eclectic mix of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Jungian, Gestaltian, and some Buddhist philosophy.
(628) 227-6193 View (628) 227-6193
Photo of Diane Marquez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diane Marquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
We all want to experience calm, well-being and joy. In a supportive therapeutic atmosphere, I inspire clients to practice tools and learn new habits that will help them reach these goals, while building the resilience necessary to cope with daily life. In our sessions, l introduce the Practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and the Therapeutic practices of DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as part of the tool kit to help you build the inner resources to overcome: reactivity, emotional distress, and self-criticism that accompany emotional patterns such as depression, anxiety and trauma.
We all want to experience calm, well-being and joy. In a supportive therapeutic atmosphere, I inspire clients to practice tools and learn new habits that will help them reach these goals, while building the resilience necessary to cope with daily life. In our sessions, l introduce the Practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and the Therapeutic practices of DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as part of the tool kit to help you build the inner resources to overcome: reactivity, emotional distress, and self-criticism that accompany emotional patterns such as depression, anxiety and trauma.
(650) 897-4486 View (650) 897-4486
Photo of Amy F Trusso, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy F Trusso
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I use CBT, TEAM-CBT and EMDR.
Does your primary relationship feel stuck? Are you tired of coming up against the same issues and not able to move past them? Has your life (job, children) come between you and your partner? My approach is to be empathic and engaging. I work to provide an environment that will help you to learn and practice emotional skills, improve communication, and develop a keener awareness and understanding of yourself and others. I want you to leave knowing you have several tools in your toolbox to use in daily practice.
I use CBT, TEAM-CBT and EMDR.
Does your primary relationship feel stuck? Are you tired of coming up against the same issues and not able to move past them? Has your life (job, children) come between you and your partner? My approach is to be empathic and engaging. I work to provide an environment that will help you to learn and practice emotional skills, improve communication, and develop a keener awareness and understanding of yourself and others. I want you to leave knowing you have several tools in your toolbox to use in daily practice.
(415) 635-0574 View (415) 635-0574
Photo of Cassandra Wells, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cassandra Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
I am a Black therapist with about 10 years of experience working with a wide breadth of clients from various cultural backgrounds and diversities. I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral background looking at how your thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors and developing coping skills to manage thoughts and better regulate feelings. My main goal in therapy is to meet the client where they are at and provide treatment and support based on the goals and needs of the client. I am very energetic, positive, and down to earth while also being mindful to match my client’s energy and personality.
I am a Black therapist with about 10 years of experience working with a wide breadth of clients from various cultural backgrounds and diversities. I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral background looking at how your thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors and developing coping skills to manage thoughts and better regulate feelings. My main goal in therapy is to meet the client where they are at and provide treatment and support based on the goals and needs of the client. I am very energetic, positive, and down to earth while also being mindful to match my client’s energy and personality.
(510) 630-1007 View (510) 630-1007
Photo of Bernadette Baltazar, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bernadette Baltazar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
Trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, & Eye Moment Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).
Welcome to an empathetic, warm, and collaborative space where self-discovery awaits. As a therapist, my aim is to guide you on life's journey and help you uncover its true meaning. I am here to support you through challenging times by providing coping tools and assisting you in exploring your goals and dreams. Together, we will uncover your innate resilience and foster stronger, more meaningful connections. with a holistic and honest approach, I will help you identify and transform unhealthy thought patterns, enhancing your overall quality of life. Let's embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth and THRIVE.
Trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, & Eye Moment Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).
Welcome to an empathetic, warm, and collaborative space where self-discovery awaits. As a therapist, my aim is to guide you on life's journey and help you uncover its true meaning. I am here to support you through challenging times by providing coping tools and assisting you in exploring your goals and dreams. Together, we will uncover your innate resilience and foster stronger, more meaningful connections. with a holistic and honest approach, I will help you identify and transform unhealthy thought patterns, enhancing your overall quality of life. Let's embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth and THRIVE.
(341) 766-0904 View (341) 766-0904
Photo of Teresa Kellstrom, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Teresa Kellstrom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I mostly work with my clients utilizing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), so that you can get the most out of your time in therapy.
My name is Teresa A. Kellstrom and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, who has been practicing since 2009. I split my time between private practice and working in a non-profit agency. I have experience working with all ages of clients, particularly adult individuals dealing with overwhelming life stressors and adjustments. I welcome the opportunity to work with you! I have experience working with clients of all ages, providing individual, couples, and family therapy to those who need and want to improve their life. My passion is working with survivors of domestic violence or those in troubled relationships.
I mostly work with my clients utilizing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), so that you can get the most out of your time in therapy.
My name is Teresa A. Kellstrom and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, who has been practicing since 2009. I split my time between private practice and working in a non-profit agency. I have experience working with all ages of clients, particularly adult individuals dealing with overwhelming life stressors and adjustments. I welcome the opportunity to work with you! I have experience working with clients of all ages, providing individual, couples, and family therapy to those who need and want to improve their life. My passion is working with survivors of domestic violence or those in troubled relationships.
(657) 571-1589 View (657) 571-1589
Photo of Carissa Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carissa Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My favorites include Narrative Therapy, Existential, Emotion-Focused, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, CBT, Gestalt, and Inner-Child work.
Hello, my name is Carissa Smith (LMFT130892). The therapeutic journey is the most important aspect of therapy, and I am always honored to assist clients with that journey in any way I can. People are complex, diverse, and interesting, and based on my experience, are just trying to do the best they can. I am comfortable with adult individuals (18+) across the lifespan. A true passion of mine is working with couples though.
My favorites include Narrative Therapy, Existential, Emotion-Focused, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, CBT, Gestalt, and Inner-Child work.
Hello, my name is Carissa Smith (LMFT130892). The therapeutic journey is the most important aspect of therapy, and I am always honored to assist clients with that journey in any way I can. People are complex, diverse, and interesting, and based on my experience, are just trying to do the best they can. I am comfortable with adult individuals (18+) across the lifespan. A true passion of mine is working with couples though.
(442) 256-9280 View (442) 256-9280
Photo of Tracy Satterfield, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracy Satterfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I draw upon a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to create a customized treatment plan for each client.
I am Tracy Satterfield Tordella, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in CA. My approach to therapy is direct, supportive, and collaborative. I specialize in grief and loss, maternal mental health, including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, and assisting couples with communication and healthy relationships. During our first session, we will explore your reasons for seeking therapy at this time and expectations of the therapeutic process. We will also discuss past experiences with therapy and the benefits and challenges during those experiences.
I draw upon a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to create a customized treatment plan for each client.
I am Tracy Satterfield Tordella, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in CA. My approach to therapy is direct, supportive, and collaborative. I specialize in grief and loss, maternal mental health, including perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, and assisting couples with communication and healthy relationships. During our first session, we will explore your reasons for seeking therapy at this time and expectations of the therapeutic process. We will also discuss past experiences with therapy and the benefits and challenges during those experiences.
(213) 699-4248 View (213) 699-4248
Photo of Sergio Sandoval, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sergio Sandoval
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
I am a compassionate licensed marriage and family therapist with nearly 10 years of experience, treating depression and anxiety, using evidence-based practices. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-focused therapeutic interventions when working with my clients. I collaborate with clients to identify and change unhelpful patterns that contribute to depression and anxiety. Through the therapeutic process, we develop goals to address challenges, build coping skills, and integrate strategies into clients' daily lives.
I am a compassionate licensed marriage and family therapist with nearly 10 years of experience, treating depression and anxiety, using evidence-based practices. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-focused therapeutic interventions when working with my clients. I collaborate with clients to identify and change unhelpful patterns that contribute to depression and anxiety. Through the therapeutic process, we develop goals to address challenges, build coping skills, and integrate strategies into clients' daily lives.
(650) 832-9398 View (650) 832-9398
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Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists

How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by exploring how your thoughts affect your emotions and experiences. CBT helps you identify distortions in your thinking. For example, you may tend to jump to the worst case scenario catastrophizing or think in extremes (all-or-nothing thinking). A therapist can teach you how to push back against those thoughts to ultimately change your feelings and behavior for the better. They can also provide coping skills to better deal with stressors and challenges.

When do I know to seek treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy?

It’s reasonable to consider cognitive behavioral therapy if you struggle to manage difficult emotions or behaviors to such an extent that you are not getting the most out of life on a day-to-day basis. If you want a shorter term, concrete, skills-based approach, CBT is a great option. (By contrast, other types of therapy may devote more time to exploring your past and its effects.) The decision to seek CBT also depends on the condition you’re treating; CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and many other disorders.

How can I find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else?

To find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else, you may want to begin by discussing the person’s problem, researching cognitive behavioral therapy, and assessing whether the approach is the right fit. You could then reach out to a few cognitive behavioral therapists in this directory, explain the scenario, have a consultation with those available, and determine who could be a good match.

Why is CBT such a popular form of therapy?

CBT has become a popular form of therapy because it is effective and accessible. Robust research has demonstrated that CBT is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions. And CBT can be learned in relatively few sessions, which means that many people can engage in the process, afford it, and see results quickly. It involves learning concrete skills such as disputing unhelpful thoughts; these skills can also be taught and spread widely.