Common questions
Beginning therapy is a significant step. Below, I've addressed the questions I hear most often from new clients to help you feel informed and comfortable.
How is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with a PhD psychologist different?
A PhD psychologist brings advanced training in both the science and practice of therapy. I’m trained not just in what techniques to use, but in understanding the research behind why they work, for whom, and under what conditions.
This allows me to tailor CBT to your specific needs and adjust our approach based on your progress. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s adapted based on both research and how you’re actually responding.
How do I know if CBT is right for me?
My work focuses on CBT for anxiety and ERP for OCD. These are present-focused, practical, and action-oriented treatments.
Many clients also experience depression alongside anxiety or OCD and that can absolutely be addressed within this work. However, if depression appears to be the primary concern, a different approach may be a better fit.
During our initial sessions, I’ll assess what’s driving your symptoms and help determine whether this approach makes sense for you.
Do you offer teletherapy (virtual sessions)?
Yes, in addition to in-person services, I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy sessions for clients located in CT, RI, NY, and any PSYPACT®-participating state. Many clients find this a convenient and effective way to engage in therapy and it works well for CBT and ERP.
What is the time commitment for CBT?
Therapy sessions are 45-55 minutes and typically occur once weekly to build momentum. CBT is generally a short-to-medium-term therapy, often ranging from 12-20 sessions, depending on your goals, concerns, and progress.
CBT is an active approach and I do suggest between-session practice. These are collaborative, manageable tasks (e.g., thought records or behavioral experiments) designed to help you apply new skills in real-life situations.
Is CBT just about "positive thinking"?
Not at all. CBT is about realistic, helpful thinking, not forcing positivity or ignoring real challenges.
We work on identifying unhelpful thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck and building practical, evidence-based skills to address them. The goal is not to think positively all the time. It’s to think more accurately and respond to situations with greater clarity and flexibility.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based treatment for OCD. It involves gradually and safely facing the thoughts, situations, or objects that trigger anxiety (the exposure) while refraining from the compulsive behaviors or avoidance that keep the cycle going (the response prevention).
If you’re unsure whether you have OCD, we can assess that together early on. It’s common to feel unsure at first.
Over time, this process helps your brain learn that anxiety decreases on its own and that you can tolerate uncertainty without relying on rituals or avoidance. ERP is collaborative and we move at a pace that is challenging but manageable.