Does this approach actually help treat anxiety?

Answer:   In the vast majority of cases, using this approach (cognitive-behavioral therapy) with clients who are motivated and committed produces quick and effective results.

What happens if anxiety goes untreated?

Answer:  Results can vary; however, generally, people with significant anxiety problems rarely get better without treatment.

My understanding is that cognitive-behavioral therapy asks the client to be active in making changes in therapy. Why won’t just talking about my anxiety help?

Answer:  Almost always, people who suffer from anxiety are not dealing with something that needs to be addressed.  Facing your fears and changing your thinking is an active process and will bring about the relief you desire.

What is the root cause of anxiety problems?

Answer:  To some extent, all humans feel anxious from time to time.  From that perspective, some anxiety is part of being human. However, an anxiety disorder is disempowering and disturbing to the individual suffering from it. While certainly factors such as genetics and environment play a role, unhealthy thoughts or beliefs seems to be at the root of anxiety problems.  This is great news because there are excellent ways to change our thinking-long term!

Can my anxiety problem be cured?

Answer:  The truth is that while it is perfectly normal to get anxious from time to time, disempowering or disturbing anxiety is detrimental to emotional well-being.  The excellent news is that with an evidenced-based approach such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, you can find relief, long-term, even, perhaps, for a lifetime.

Do you use any other approaches other than cognitive-behavioral therapy?

Answer:  Absolutely, Yes!  While my expertise and main approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, I use an array of different techniques and approaches from different schools of psychotherapy in order to bring about speedy recovery.

Myth: Change takes a long time.

Fact: The fact is we change in an instant. The instant our thinking changes, our behavior and emotions change as well. The challenge is that there is often factors that makes us resist change.

Myth: “I’ve done therapy before and it didn’t work”

Fact: I have heard many of my past clients make statements like this. The truth is that much of therapy these days amounts to schmoozing behind closed doors with the occasional bit of advice. This may feel good in the short-term, but does very little in solving emotional problems. My evidenced-based approach is based on principles that massively increase the motivation and commitment of my clients. We will focus on your goals and do everything needed to achieve your goals, regardless of past results.

Myth: “I have felt better before, but I seem to feel upset again (or relapse)”

Fact: This is common and with some important strategies, I can teach you how to get positive results, long-term.

Myth: “I shouldn’t need to get therapy because I should be able to handle my problems on my own”

Fact: I used to believe this and know of many clients who have told me the same thing. The fact is that we rely on other to help us achieve our goals in many different areas (e.g., mechanics for our cars, coaches to teach us sports, and teachers to help us learn subjects). So why not use a therapist for our emotional goals?? The bottom-line is there are results you desire, and, with the right approach, you can achieve these goals.

Myth: Therapy is too expensive

Fact: This, of course, is a personal decision and only you know your financial situation. That said, there is a cost to not taking action and getting the guidance and coaching from a competent and experienced professional who can help you. Moreover, this recovery or improvement can happen much faster than you thought possible.