Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Meridian, ID

My go-to approach in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is providing information, working with physiological activation, and working with unhelpful thoughts. Information is needed, because generally, the more a client knows about what is going on, the more likely they are to be willing to engage in therapy and the techniques.

I teach the following tools in CBT: identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts that amplify distress, stress and anxiety management techniques (including breathing, muscle relaxation, guided meditation, and combination techniques), behavioral activation (engaging in pleasurable or positive behaviors), and making a concerted effort to notice positives and gratitudes. I will also use creative therapies (art, journaling, music, dance, poetry, etc.) when appropriate.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in CBT when they report decreased subjective and objective signs and symptoms of distress, and when they report increased confidence in coping with and managing the underlying conditions creating the distress.

Clients can supplement their time in CBT with reading, engaging in enjoyable activities, journaling, and keeping track of good things that happen in their lives.

To prepare for the first CBT session, a client can write down their symptoms, their understanding of what causes the symptoms, any events/situations that worsen or help symptoms, and what they've tried in the past that has helped/not helped.