frequently asked questions

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a problem-focused and research-based therapy.  CBT involves learning to recognize thought and behavior patterns and identify where and when those patterns help and hurt.  CBT aims to teach clients the knowledge and skills needed to become their own therapists.

  • Aaron Beck developed CBT in the 1960s, drawing from his and others' experiences with Freudian therapy.  Dr. Beck began his psychiatric career as an analyst and set up studies to show the effectiveness of psychoanalytic treatment (Freudian therapy).  He could not scientifically show that psychoanalytic treatment was an effective intervention for depression.  But from his research, Dr. Beck began to develop what is now known as CBT. 

    Since then, hundreds of research studies have found CBT to be an effective treatment for mood disorders.  The discipline has also evolved considerably beyond the original focus of depression.  Research has shown highly effective results for anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, personality disorders, and more.

  • The primary research studies have primarily used 18-20 sessions in the CBT protocols.  In my practice, I have found that while that number is helpful, many people do not need that many sessions and many clients continue beyond 20 sessions.

  • In CBT, we work on learning to recognize the thought and behavioral patterns and the deeper beliefs (core beliefs) that lie under the thoughts and behaviors. 

    Together, we work to identify where and when those patterns help and where and when they hurt.  Using problem-solving strategies and skill-building techniques, we work together to change dysfunctional thoughts and replace them with more proactive thoughts and behaviors. 

    We also seek to understand the deeper belief systems behind the thoughts and work to change those beliefs from maladaptive to more adaptive.

  • Exposure therapy is the gold standard of anxiety work and is an essential part of treatment.  Anxiety seeks to make our world smaller, and exposure is the most effective tool for pushing back against anxiety.  Exposure therapy involves facing anxiety-producing situations/experiences and teaching your brain to unlearn the fear response.  Exposure work is the most important skill I teach and practice.

    When we do exposure work together, we start by making a hierarchy of feared experiences.  We start with the easiest so that you can slowly practice the skills learned in real situations that are tough but not too tough.

  • Yes!  CBT emphasizes collaboration and ongoing effort outside of the therapy session.  Clients are regularly assigned homework to gather data, practice skills, and generalize behaviors.

    Kids in CBT often need some assistance from their parents to help identify and record this information (but adults are on their own!).  Studies have shown that people who actively practice and record information outside the sessions have better results.

  • Thousands of research studies support the effectiveness of CBT with youth.  The three major federally-funded youth studies are:

    • Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS): rationale, design, and methods

    • The Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS): Long-term Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes.  Arch Gen Psychiatry

    • Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Sertraline, and Their Combination for Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Pediatric OCD Treatment Study (POTS) Randomized Controlled Trial

    CBT is most effective with mood disorders like anxiety and depression.  CBT has not been as effective with AD/HD and other behavioral disorders (parent training and behavioral therapy generally work best with those issues).

  • Yes!  Although as kids get older, they get more input as to the amount of involvement of their parents.  Young adults often choose not to have supporting adults involved in their treatment.

  • I started my first website because of this question.  I wanted kids to see pictures of my office and me before they came in.  Many kids have all kinds of misinformation about what therapy is, but my site can at least show them what I look like and give them a sense of the space where we meet.

    I recommend letting your child know that my job as a therapist is to work with them to help them with worries or sadness- whatever the issue is that is getting in the way.  I also recommend letting them know I have done this work for a long time, and I will not judge them or be surprised by anything they say.  I have worked with many kids, and they are not alone in their struggles.  Other kids have also gone through it, and together we will figure out ways to help them feel better.

  • During the pandemic, I learned that online therapy can be very effective. However, I do not offer online therapy for kids under 12 years. And, if I'm honest, I always prefer to have you in the office and face to face.

    I offer virtual therapy in the states in which I am licensed: VA, MD, DC, NY, and MA.

  • No.  I am not in-network for any insurance companies.  However, I provide receipts with the codes necessary for you to submit your claims to your insurance company for out-of-network coverage.  Your plan determines the amount your insurance company reimburses you.

  • 45-Minute Appointment | $225*

    60-Minute Appointment | $275*

  • You can pay by credit card (including Health Savings Account cards) or check.  Payment is due at the time of service.