Alexandra Matthews, Ph.D. (Psy16219)

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a research-supported psychotherapy.  There are many scientific studies showing that CBT is a highly effective treatment for a variety of difficulties.

I work in an active collaboration with my clients to address specific problems. CBT takes a focused, practical approach. The result of successful CBT should be a clear, measurable reduction in problems or symptoms.

 As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I work with my clients to develop a better understnding of my client's difficulties, and apply appropriate CBT methods for managing those difficulties.

Some Cognitive Behavioral tools

Homework    CBT therapists often recommend that their clients do "homework", which means practicing the skills learned in session. Therapist and client develop homework in collaboration and agreement. The more homework you do, the faster you will reach your goals.  

Cognitive Restructuring    The therapist helps the client examine unhelpful, inaccurate thoughts and beliefs. The therapist guides the client through a process of seeing these unhelpful thoughts in a more objective, realistic way. Changing your thoughts will help change the way you feel! 

Graded Exposure    Therapist and client make a list of behaviors the client would like to change, but is afraid to. They arrange this list in order, from easiest to hardest, and work on gradually changing behavior.  One step at a time, the client builds a ladder to success!

Activity Scheduling 

 Charting, Logging, Journaling

 Mindfulness

 Meditation and Relaxation 

 Positive Parenting With A Plan:  Rather than parenting according to your mood and energy level.

More to on the way...

CBT Links

The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

Information about Panic

More on the way...