Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Are you seeking an effective therapy to help overcome life's challenges?
At New Directions Psychiatry PLLC, we offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based, scientifically proven therapy that helps individuals with a wide variety of mental health concerns. CBT focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering you to develop practical skills and strategies to change unhelpful patterns and achieve lasting positive change. Dr. Whitney Gilley is trained in CBT and is here to support your journey towards healing, personal growth, and overall well-being.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that aims to identify and modify negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
There are many scientific studies that show CBT to be an effective and beneficial treatment option for conditions including depression and anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on the principle that our thoughts influence our emotions and actions and that we can use this connection to address various psychological concerns and mental health conditions. Through CBT, we can identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that contribute to distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviors.
During CBT sessions, Dr. Gilley will work collaboratively with you to understand your unique concerns, challenges, and goals. She will help you develop new ways of thinking and problem-solving, and teach you practical skills to manage your emotions and behaviors more effectively.
How Does CBT Work?
At its core, CBT operates on the principle that our thoughts influence our emotions and the actions we take. By identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts, CBT helps individuals develop more balanced and adaptive thinking patterns, leading to healthier emotions and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides practical strategies and tools to help individuals understand and modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to psychological distress or difficulties.
CBT usually involves handouts or worksheets to help you practice new skills between sessions. This helps make the therapy more effective and optimizes the time you spend during the therapy session. However, if you don’t like worksheets, let Dr. Gilley know. She will work with you on alternative ways to learn effective coping skills for navigating life's challenges and improving your overall well-being.
Some Key Features of CBT
Identifying Negative Thought Patterns:
CBT helps you become aware of negative or distorted thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. Through collaboration with Dr. Gilley, you'll learn to identify these patterns and challenge them with more realistic and adaptive thoughts.
Restructuring Unhelpful Beliefs:
CBT helps you reframe and modify unhelpful beliefs and assumptions that contribute to distressing emotions or behavior. By examining the evidence and exploring alternative perspectives, you can cultivate more balanced and empowering ways of thinking.
Behavioral Activation:
CBT focuses on taking specific, measurable actions to address challenges and achieve desired outcomes. Dr. Gilley work with you to develop practical strategies and skills to overcome obstacles, change behaviors, and enhance your overall well-being.
Skill Building:
CBT equips you with a toolkit of practical skills and techniques to manage distressing emotions, cope with stress, and improve communication and problem-solving. These skills can be applied not only during therapy but also in your daily life to support long-term growth and resilience.
If you're ready to break free from negative thought patterns and develop practical skills to improve your mental health and well-being, contact New Directions Psychiatry PLLC to request an appointment.
Dr. Gilley is here to help you achieve lasting positive change and a more emotionally balanced and fulfilling life.
Thought awareness for change and reframing:
CBT helps you become more aware of negative or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress and symptoms such as anxiety and depression. By challenging and restructuring these thoughts, you can develop a more balanced and realistic outlook.
Emotion regulation:
CBT equips you with tools and techniques to manage and regulate your emotions. You will learn healthy coping strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, and other overwhelming emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you manage and even reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Behavioral change:
CBT focuses on modifying behaviors that are associated with distress or dysfunction. Psychiatrist Dr. Gilley will work with you to develop new behaviors and habits that promote positive change and well-being.
New problem-solving skills:
CBT empowers you with problem-solving techniques and coping skills to effectively address challenges and obstacles in your life. You will learn to approach problems from a rational and proactive perspective.
What are the Benefits of CBT?
What can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy help with?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly versatile and has been scientifically proven in its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Some of the common conditions where CBT has proven to be particularly beneficial include:
Depression
CBT helps individuals identify and reframe negative patterns of thought that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and sadness. It assists in developing healthier coping strategies and cultivating a more positive outlook on life. More about Depression.
Anxiety
Whether you struggle with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, or specific phobias, CBT can provide you with practical tools to manage anxious thoughts and reduce the physical and emotional symptoms associated with anxiety and anxiety disorders. More about Anxiety.
Trauma
CBT can help individuals process traumatic experiences, manage intrusive thoughts, and develop skills to cope with distressing memories or triggers. While there are a variety of therapies available for trauma-related disorders, cognitive therapies are often an important part of treating conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, and other trauma-related disorders. More about trauma-related conditions.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
CBT plays a crucial role in the treatment of OCD by assisting individuals in challenging and reframing obsessive thoughts, reducing compulsive behaviors, and promoting healthier coping mechanisms. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of CBT designed for OCD.
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
CBT can help patients reconnect with their body and help with the stress and symptoms of functional neurologic disorder and certain types of non-epileptic seizures. CBT can help you identify and change patterns that can worsen FND symptoms.
Eating Disorders:
CBT helps individuals address distorted thoughts and beliefs surrounding body image, food, and weight. It aids in developing healthier relationships with food, improving self-esteem, and fostering body acceptance. Please note that New Directions Psychiatry PLLC does not provide services designed to best treat eating disorders, and instead recommends patients consider multi-disciplinary treatment at a practice or center focused on the care of treatment of these conditions. Please see FAQs for more information.
Substance Use Disorders:
CBT may be used in substance use treatment and recovery to address underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns that contribute to the process of addiction. It helps individuals develop skills to manage cravings, triggers, and prevent relapse. Please note that CBT is best used in conjunction with a more comprehensive substance use treatment and recovery plan that is beyond the scope of what New Directions Psychiatry PLLC currently can provide. Please see FAQs for more information.
Why Choose New Directions Psychiatry PLLC for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Compassionate Specialty Care:
As a psychiatrist and physician, Dr. Gilley is highly trained in providing care for a wide variety of concerns. Her experience includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for conditions including acute stress and trauma, life transitions, depression, grief, and overwhelming anxiety. She is empathetic and committed to staying updated with the latest research and techniques to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.
An Individualized Approach:
Dr. Gilley understands that each person's needs and goals are unique. She tailors CBT interventions to your specific circumstances, creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and promotes your well-being.
Collaborative and Supportive Environment:
New Directions Psychiatry PLLC provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your thoughts and emotions. Dr. Gilley fosters a collaborative approach to care, supporting you in your journey of change and growth. She works with you to determine the best treatment options so you can decide on treatment that fits your needs and personal goals.
Option for weekly therapy with your Dr.:
All appointments at New Directions Psychiatry PLLC are directly with the doctor. This includes the option for weekly therapy appointments. To help accommodate the schedules for working professionals, we also offer Saturday appointments and flexible scheduling.
Comprehensive Care:
As a psychiatry practice, New Directions Psychiatry PLLC offers a wide range of treatment options including counseling, therapy, medication, and integrative options to support your mental health and provide a holistic approach to your treatment. Our goal is that you receive the most appropriate and effective care to help you meet your wellness goals.