Cognitive behavioral therapy
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.
CBT is based on several core principles, including:
Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:
Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.
Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.
Not all CBT will use all of these strategies. Rather, the psychologist and patient/client work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.
CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the session as well as “homework” exercises outside of sessions, patients/clients are helped to develop coping skills, whereby they can learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.
CBT therapists emphasize what is going on in the person’s current life, rather than what has led up to their difficulties. A certain amount of information about one’s history is needed, but the focus is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping with life.
Source: https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
FAQs
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MFW is open Mondays and Fridays 9am-2pm and 5:30-7:30pm. Appointments can be made by calling
757-912-3928 or clicking the link below.
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MFW does not currently accept insurance. However, MFW has partnered with Erica Baker and Associates Counseling Services that allows use of most insurances such as Atena, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Behavioral Health. Call to verify your insurance is accepted.
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Cancellation or “No Show” Fees are not covered by insurance. We have a 24hr cancellation policy. In order to avoid the cancellation fee, we ask that you please provide us with advance notice. Prepare / Enrich assessment is NOT covered by insurance.
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Payment is due at time of service. MFW accepts payment in the form of check, cash, credit card, HSA or FSA card. Fees are based on your health insurance’s contracted rate and type of service received. For a 45min session, the fee range is $80-$250. The cost is based on time spent in therapy and type of service received.
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No. We do not currently have a sliding fee scale. However, we are looking into incorporating a sliding fee scale in the future.
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Services last as long as you and your provider agree they are necessary. However, MFW holds the belief that individuals do not need to be in therapy for years when evidenced based tx modalities are used. We provide cost-effective, short-term, and results-oriented services using evidenced based treatment. You can expect to be in therapy on average between 8-12 weeks.
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Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis. But may be tailored to your schedule. Research shows therapy is most effective with more frequent sessions and sufficient follow up care for maintenance of gains made during treatment. As you approach the “ending phase” of treatment and your goals are being reached, sessions will begin to be tapered off and entered into maintenance sessions as needed.
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To get started, go to https://marriagefamilyworks.clientsecure.me. To schedule an appointment. You may also download the simple practice app. In the app, search for Jerome Ford and schedule an appointment. You may also e-mail MFW at JeromeFord@marriagefamilyworks.com or call at 757-912-3928 to schedule a free phone consultation.
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Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems. MFTs treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including: depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems and child-parent problems.
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MFTs have graduate training (Master’s or Doctoral degree) in Marriage and Family Therapy and at least two years of clinical experience. Marriage and Family Therapy is recognized as a “core” mental health profession, along with Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work and Psychiatric Nursing.
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? E-mail us at jeromeford@marriagefamilyworks.com or call at 757-912-3928