Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an empirically-supported treatment—meaning science shows it works— for many conditions including anxiety and obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders. It is a short-term, action-oriented, collaborative treatment approach focused on reducing current symptoms and making meaningful and lasting changes in your day-to-day life.

CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are inter-connected, and problematic patterns among them drive anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. CBT focuses on developing new ways of thinking and behaving that will break those problem patterns. CBT is a broad umbrella that encompasses a number of specific treatment techniques and interventions including: Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and behavioral activation, among others. Dr. Smith is well versed in CBT and incorporates specific techniques as indicated.

CBT is an empirically-supported treatment for many conditions including:

Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

  • Trichotillomania (hair pulling)

  • Excoriation disorder (skin picking)

  • Other body focused repetitive behavior disorders (BFRBs)

Anxiety Disorders

  • Selective mutism

  • Social anxiety disorder

  • Separation anxiety disorder

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

  • Specific phobias

  • Panic disorder

  • Agoraphobia

 Other Disorders

  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Tic disorders and Tourette’s Syndrome

  • Depressive disorders like major depression and dysthymia

  • Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and avoidant restrictive food intake disoder

The Therapy Process

The therapy process begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. This 90-120 minute session involves clinical interview and questionnaires that will provide a thorough understanding of your symptoms and an accurate diagnosis. This information is used to develop an individualized treatment plan, based on proven techniques and interventions. This plan is designed to reduce your symptoms and achieve mutually agreed upon goals.

Following the evaluation, active therapy begins. The course of therapy usually starts with education to help you gain a better understanding of your symptoms and problem patterns of thinking and behavior. This phase is followed by learning skills to manage symptoms and identifying helpful changes.

Most people need weekly sessions for a period of time (most CBT treatments average 12-20 sessions, though that number may vary depending on factors like symptom severity, life stressors, and effort). Sessions are usually 45-50 minutes, but some people may need extended sessions, which are 80-100 minutes, depending on treatment goals and techniques being used. Once active treatment wraps up, some people benefit from periodic booster sessions or “check ups.”

In addition to providing therapy, Dr. Smith also is available for consultation and speaking engagements & professional training.