The goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, like most psychotherapies, is to reduce symptoms of Anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, and other mental health concerns while addressing ‘core issues’ that may be perpetuating dysfunction.

James uses CBT with clients in order to:

• Gain a genuine understanding of the client and what their concerns are.
• Create specific goals and objectives, aimed at reducing unwanted symptoms.
• Challenge and modify unhelpful/negative thinking patterns.
• Tracking and modifying unhelpful/negative behaviors.
• Assist clients in remaining resilient in the face of difficulty.

Similar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy – or ACT – focuses on the relationship between the thinker and the thought, as well as helpful vs. unhelpful behaviors. Rather than focusing on challenging unhelpful thoughts, however, the goal in ACT therapy is to develop an attitude of acceptance toward what is (thoughts, emotions, and other experiences) and to align one’s behaviors with one’s values. 

By using an ACT therapy approach, James will help you to:

• Engage in diffusion techniques, which allow you to take your thoughts less seriously
• Take action in ways that conform to your values
• Break unhelpful cognitive/behavioral patterns
• Commit to actions that can help to alleviate excessive worry and depressive symptoms
• Practice acceptance and mindfulness

Mindfulness-based therapies are all about remaining present and aware of one’s thoughts, sensations, and experiences without judgment. Often used in conjunction with CBT, ACT, and other approaches, mindfulness-based therapy can help you to become more aware and accepting of thoughts and other sensations. Paradoxically, when one begins to accept and take their thoughts and mental images less seriously, they tend to lose their power. 

By implementing mindfulness in-session, James will help you to:

• Learn relaxation techniques
• Become less stressed
• Increase your awareness and appreciation of the present moment
• Quiet your inner critic
• Adopt a non-judgmental attitude toward your inner experiences