Treatment Approaches

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based form of therapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do.  Cognitive interventions challenge and ultimately change self defeating thoughts. Behavioral interventions focus on gaining control over unwanted behavior patterns by learning new ways to approach situations.  Clients take an active role in changing how they see and interact in the world, thus transforming how they feel.

What is Exposure Response Prevention?

The most important CBT for OCD is called "Exposure and Response Prevention".  The "exposure" refers to confronting the thoughts, images, objects and situations that make a person with OCD anxious.  The "Response Prevention" in ERP refers to making a choice not to do a compulsive behavior after coming into contact with the things that make a person with OCD anxious.  With ERP, a person has to make the commitment to not give in and do the compulsive behavior until they notice a drop in their anxiety.  Eventually, anxiety during exposures decrease. 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the conscious direction of our awareness, so we are paying attention on purpose. This skill, when practiced, allows people to live in the present moment and in a non judgmental way.  

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

ACT is an emperically based psychological intervention that incorporates acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change strategies to increase psychological flexibility.