What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, refers to a type of therapy that focuses on patterns of thinking, behavior, and responses that contribute to life distress or dissatisfaction. In CBT, clients learn techniques to recognize and change these patterns, leading to improved functioning. CBT is an empirically supported treatment for a wide variety of problems including anxiety, eating disorders, specific phobias, compulsive behaviors, and low mood. Between weekly individual sessions, clients practice skills learned in session through homework exercises. Practice of the skills increases the likelihood that they will generalize to your life outside of therapy and remain useful for you after treatment has ended.
Why is it important for my treatment to be "empirically supported"?
As a consumer trying to navigate the sea of therapy options, information about research demonstrating the effectiveness of a particular therapy is invaluable. The phrase “empirical support” refers to this information. Such information can help you identify beneficial treatment and avoid the investment of time and money in an ineffective or even harmful treatment. The overwhelming majority of empirically supported treatment is CBT. More information about empirically supported treatments for psychological problems can be found at the websites of the American Psychological Association (APA), Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (ABCT).
How long is a session?
The length of your therapy sessions varies depending on the type of appointment:
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Individual Sessions
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45 minutes
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Collateral Sessions (with parents and/or family members/caregivers)
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60 minutes
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Maudsley Family-Based Therapy (FBT) Sessions
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60–90 minutes (depending on session type)
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Initial Evaluations
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90–120 minutes (depending on the number of participants)
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How often will we meet?
The frequency and length of therapy sessions are determined by your individual needs, including your age and the type of treatment recommended. At the beginning of treatment, sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly basis. This regular rhythm helps you build momentum, develop new skills, and create consistent space for growth and healing. As treatment progresses, we periodically re-evaluate your needs and may adjust the frequency of sessions. Some clients benefit from continuing weekly sessions, while others may transition to bi-weekly or monthly appointments as they gain confidence and independence in applying what they've learned.
During times of crisis or heightened challenge, session frequency can be increased to provide the additional support and guidance you need to navigate difficult periods. Throughout your therapy journey, we remain flexible and responsive to your changing circumstances—ensuring you receive the right level of care at the right time.