Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Conditions We Treat
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program at The Anxiety Center, directed by Nathan Fite, PhD, brings together highly experienced psychologists, therapists, and interns specializing in CBT for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and medical issues. CBT has been shown to be a highly effective form of treatment for a broad range of psychiatric conditions and health concerns. The Anxiety Center is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment to patients in the CBT Program.​
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The CBT Program at The Anxiety Center offers clinical treatments and education for a variety of psychiatric disorders and medical issues, including:
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ADHD
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Insomnia
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Pain
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Schizophrenia
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Substance use disorders
Our Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at The Anxiety Center is a structured, evidence-based approach that addresses a variety of psychiatric disorders and medical issues. This therapy is designed to help patients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. A critical aspect of CBT is case conceptualization, which involves developing a detailed understanding of the patient's problems and the factors contributing to them. This personalized framework guides the selection and application of specific cognitive and behavioral strategies to achieve the best outcomes.
Cognitive Strategies
Cognitive strategies in CBT focus on identifying and modifying distorted thinking patterns that contribute to the patient's symptoms. Specific techniques include:
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Cognitive Restructuring: Patients learn to challenge and reframe negative or irrational thoughts, replacing them with more balanced and constructive beliefs.
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Thought Records: Patients document their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in specific situations to identify patterns and triggers.
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Decatastrophizing: Patients are guided to evaluate the validity of their worst-case scenario thinking and develop more realistic perspectives.
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Socratic Questioning: Therapists ask guided questions to help patients explore and challenge their thought processes and beliefs.
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Behavioral Experiments: Patients test the accuracy of their thoughts through real-life experiments to gather evidence and modify beliefs accordingly.
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Problem-solving: Patients develop skills to identify, analyze, and solve problems effectively, evaluating outcomes and learning to troubleshoot when necessary.
Behavioral Interventions
Derived from learning theory, behavioral interventions aim to change maladaptive behaviors and reduce the association between concerns and maladaptive responses. Key techniques include:
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Exposure Therapy: Patients gradually confront avoided situations, such as using a public bathroom for contamination fears or approaching a dog for those with cynophobia. This is done at a pace comfortable for the patient, progressing from less to more anxiety-provoking situations.
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Ritual Prevention: Patients reduce and manage ritualistic behaviors, like compulsive hand-washing or constant self-comparison, to lessen anxiety and discomfort.
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Assertiveness Training: Patients practice recognizing and asserting their needs and views respectfully. This often involves role-plays to improve communication skills and enhance relationships and career opportunities.
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Activity Scheduling/Behavioral Activation: Patients build constructive routines by scheduling enjoyable and achievement-oriented activities. Increased activity and success can positively influence behavior and motivation.
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Motivational Strategies: Patients enhance their commitment to CBT through strategies that increase and sustain motivation.
Comprehensive Support
CBT at The Anxiety Center also incorporates:
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Mindfulness: Patients practice staying present and accepting their thoughts and feelings without judgment to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
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Relaxation Training: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization are taught to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety and stress.
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Cognitive Restructuring: Patients challenge and reframe negative thoughts and beliefs, adopting more balanced and constructive perspectives.
At The Anxiety Center, our CBT Program integrates these advanced strategies to provide comprehensive and effective treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders and health concerns.
What to Expect at TAC
​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at The Anxiety Center is a highly structured, goal-oriented process that requires active participation from both the therapist and the patient. We emphasize that CBT is an active form of therapy—so much so that we tell our patients it’s not good therapy if you don’t break a sweat. Expect to be challenged and to be heard. Expect encouragement, but also expect to be provoked. Our goal is to instigate growth in each of our patients and maximize the benefits of treatment to help them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
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The Collaborative Relationship
A successful CBT experience hinges on a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist. This partnership involves:
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Understanding the Patient’s Issues: Both the therapist and the patient actively work to understand the patient’s specific problems and symptoms.
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Setting Goals: Together, they identify the objectives to be achieved through treatment.
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Working Towards Goals: The therapist and patient jointly develop strategies and interventions to reach these goals.
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Assessment and Individualized Treatment Plan
​Your CBT journey will begin with a detailed assessment of your problems and symptoms. Based on this assessment, your therapist will work with you to determine your treatment goals. This collaborative process leads to the development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
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Structured Sessions
Each CBT session is structured with a specific agenda, incorporating various techniques and concepts. This structured approach ensures that each session is focused and productive.
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Motivation and Commitment
Significant improvement in CBT requires a high level of motivation and commitment from both the therapist and the patient. Key aspects include:
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Active Participation: Patients are expected to engage actively in sessions and in the therapeutic process.
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Feedback: Providing feedback—both positive and negative—during therapy sessions is crucial. This feedback helps the therapist adjust the pace, style, and content of future sessions to better meet your needs.
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Homework Assignments
​Patients are given homework assignments to complete outside of therapy sessions. These tasks are designed to reinforce the skills learned during sessions and to promote the application of these skills in real-life situations.
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Expect to Work Hard
​While CBT demands a great deal of work and energy, the potential outcomes are extraordinary. By fully engaging in the process, you can achieve significant improvements in your symptoms and overall quality of life. At The Anxiety Center, we are dedicated to instigating growth and maximizing the benefits of CBT to help our patients achieve their goals and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Contact us
By providing your phone number, you agree to allow The Anxiety Center and its authorized personnel to use your contact information for the purposes of communication regarding your healthcare, appointment reminders, and any other relevant information pertaining to your treatment and care. Your phone number will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law or in cases where it is necessary for your treatment and healthcare coordination.