OFFERING ONLINE SESSIONS
Clinical Psychologist in Springfield (Union County), New Jersey
WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) was developed in the 1960's by Dr. Aaron T. Beck. It is a time-sensitive, present-oriented form of psychotherapy. CBT is based on the cognitive model: a person's perception of a situation influences their emotional and behavioral reactions. The thoughts that come to our mind in any given situation are automatic and can lead to a variety of emotional or behavioral responses. Many people accept their automatic thoughts as being true without examining the validity of them. Difficulties can arise when we make a mistake in our thinking. Cognitive Behavior therapists help people identify and change their unhelpful thinking as well as learn skills to help cope with related feelings. Research has found CBT to be effective for depression, anxiety, and a variety of other health conditions.
WHAT IS DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the 1980's. The Biosocial Theory of DBT suggests that some people have a higher degree of sensitivity to emotions, have a more heightened response, and are slower to return back down to baseline. When a person does not know how take care of their emotional sensitivity, extreme behaviors can develop. The person may learn ways of managing the emotions that are effective in the short-term but problematic in the long-term. Learning to manage emotions that are more sensitive to the outside world requires learning and practicing specialized skills. DBT combines mindfulness (acceptance) with skills training (change strategies) to help teens manage emotions and change behaviors.
* Please note that full DBT treatment requires a team approach which is not possible at this practice. DBT-informed therapy is provided.
WHAT IS ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY?
According to the psychologist, Steven C. Hayes, who developed this approach, "We as a culture seem to be dedicated to the idea that ‘negative’ human emotions need to be fixed, managed, or changed—not experienced as part of a whole life. We are treating our own lives as problems to be solved as if we can sort through our experiences for the ones we like and throw out the rest." Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach that focuses on accepting one's experiences and emotions while also committing to making necessary behavioral changes. ACT therapists can help people adapt their thoughts and behaviors in order to better alignt with their values and goals.
