Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a solution-focused and time-limited intervention. It is based on the scientifically sound theory that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. The goal of CBT is to identify patterns of thinking and behaving and how these contribute to our emotional experiences. We work together to improve adaptive thoughts and change the way we interact with our thoughts. We also work together to identify and implement adaptive behaviors.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention is the gold-standard treatment for anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. ERP is a collaborative intervention in which we approach feared situations in a systematic and gradual fashion, in order to retrain our brains and reduce fear and anxiety
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
SPACE was developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz of the Child Study Center at Yale. SPACE is a treatment for childhood anxiety disorders that involves parents only and focuses on changes that parents can make to their own behavior that help children conquer their problematic anxiety. Research supports the effectiveness of this intervention as a short-term intervention, with an average of 12 weekly sessions. The focus of this treatment is on developing supportive responses to a child's anxiety and reducing parental accommodations of a child's anxiety. To learn more about this intervention, visit the SPACE website at https://www.spacetreatment.net/.
Parent Management Training (PMT)
Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs. There are added challenges when our children experience anxiety and related disorders. As parents, we do what we can to reduce our children's distress. However, for a child who has an anxiety disorder, this is not always the most effective way to help them address their anxiety. We work with parents to understand and use the counterintuitive strategies required to help their children face their fears and overcome anxiety. PMT is an essential part of Exposure-Based CBT for children and adolescents. It can be done in an individual or group setting.
Group Therapy
Un-treated or under-treated anxiety disorders can lead children and adolescents to feeling isolated and alone in their experiences. Group therapy is often an essential component to CBT as it allows individuals to connect with peers who have similar experiences and reinforces use of CBT skills in a supportive peer setting. ABHC offers supportive group therapy to children, adolescents and adults.
School Observations/Consultations
There are many aspects of the academic setting that can trigger anxiety in children and adolescents. We work closely with teachers and other professionals within schools to improve understanding of symptoms and ways to effectively address anxiety symptoms that interfere with academic performance.