Dr. Evelyn Farrell

Cognitive Therapy, currently considered “the gold standard of psychotherapy” was developed by A.T. Beck, M.D., in the 1960s. It is a short term therapy technique based upon the cognitive model that states that thoughts affect feelings and behaviors, and that distorted thoughts feed psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy requires a commitment to change, active participation, and working on problems between weekly or biweekly sessions. 

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Cognitive Therapy is highly effective in the treatment of anxiety and other disorders. Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy produces more long lasting success than medication alone for anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Processing Therapy is a type of Cognitive Therapy used in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can result from personally experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event or series of events. Individuals with PTSD can experience intense emotional or physical reactions when something evokes memories of the trauma. 

Cognitive Processing Therapy is a highly structured program of treatment consisting of 12 sessions.  designed to help the individual identify and modify the upsetting thoughts and and emotions related to the trauma that drive their symptoms.

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CPT requires active participation in activities and skill building exercises between the recommended weekly sessions to be most effective.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a psychological therapy that is based on the theory that wrestling with and avoiding emotional pain in difficult psychological situations is counter-productive and actually increases distress.

Using acceptance and mindfulness strategies, the goal is to commit to increasing psychological flexibility and behavioral changes that move the individual toward a life consistent with their values.

Research has shown ACT to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain, mixed anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosis.

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy is a form of Cognitive Therapy that was pioneered by Albert Ellis, M.D. It proposes that emotional and behavioral problems are caused by irrational assumptions that develop over time and that become a negative belief system about ourselves, others, and the world in general. These dysfunctional beliefs are like lenses that we view the world through, filtering out the positive, reinforcing the negative beliefs that were based upon past disappointments and pain. 

The focus in REBT is to identify the negative core beliefs and learn to replace them with healthier, more rational, and more positive beliefs about ourselves, others and the world in general. A Cognitive Therapy, REBT is most effective when clients have weekly or biweekly visits and are committed to practicing the skills they learn between sessions.

Biofeedback Training helps individuals learn to control automatic body functions such as heart rate and muscle tension, by using relaxation techniques in order to manage anxiety, reduce stress and improve sleep.. 

Problem solving therapy is an evidence based therapy designed to increase an individual's ability to cope by helping them focus attention on identifying effective solutions for stressful problems in living.

Problem solving therapy teaches skills designed to help change from negative to positive orientation and from ineffective to effective ways of coping with distressing problems, with rational, step by step solution oriented approaches vs. emotion based impulsive solutions or avoidance.

Problem-solving therapy can be conducted in a number of formats and implemented as part of a larger treatment program, such as CBT.

Behavioral Activation is a short term, research supported type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression.

When individuals are depressed there is a tendency to avoid interacting with others and withdraw. It's common to mistakenly think that we get the most enjoyment out of leisurely activities, but this is not necessarily true.

Instead, Behavioral Activation strategies are designed to help individuals set goals and engage in tasks and positively rewarding activities that produce chemicals in the brain that boost mood.

Behavioral activation can be included with other treatment approaches, but is most effective if clients initially have weekly or biweekly visits.

Exposure Therapy is a research supported treatment for helping individuals confront their fears. It has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, specific phobias, Panic Disorder, OCD, social anxiety and trauma related disorders. 

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Using different techniques, the individual is exposed to the feared stimulus or situation in a structured systematic way so they can become desensitized to it.

Some methods that can be used include use of imagination, virtual reality technology, or real life exposure to the feared situation. It is most effective if the client is committed to change, engages in weekly or biweekly sessions, and works on problems between sessions.

Individuals come from different walks of life and backgrounds. it is incumbent upon therapists to become culturally competent to provide therapy in the context of the client's world.

Multicultural competency requires recognition of variations and differing worldviews and the  concerns of those who's race, ethnicity, religion, income, disability, or other social factor falls outside of the majority. Therapy is conducted with respect and sensitivity to the attitudes, beliefs and values of all clients.