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Cognitive behavioral therapy is an approach to therapy that helps people identify negative automatic thoughts that lead to depression and anxiety. By identifying and changing thought patterns you can change your emotional responses, which leads to better emotional wellness.
Therapy can last anywhere from 6-20 weeks. Many people return to therapy throughout their life for "booster sessions."
Sometimes during treatment, as we work through our emotions, we may feel our emotions more strongly, but with perseverance, we work through those emotions together to learn how to better manage them. You are never alone in this process!
Everything that is discussed in therapy remains confidential with the exception of a few things: safety - if you were going to hurt yourself or someone else, I would have to let someone know. If someone is hurting you (if a minor) then I need to let people know. I also have to follow any subpoena's or court orders.
If billing through an insurance company, the insurance company is provided with a diagnosis and a treatment plan, but no specifics regarding your therapy.
Most psychological assessments begin with an interview to get a solid understanding of what answers you are looking for that the assessment could provide. From there, an in depth understanding of current concerns, symptoms and behaviors is discussed. A thorough history of your symptoms is also obtained. From there, typically 2-3 sessions are scheduled in which I will administer a variety of psychological tests. You may also be asked to complete several questionnaires and people that know you well (teachers, providers, family members) may also be asked to take several questionnaires. At the completion of the administration, a feedback session is scheduled. This typically occurs 2-3 weeks after the administration of tests. At the feedback session, we will review your results and any recommendations. A final report is provided to you when full payment is received.