Psychotherapy for Pain

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The Cognitive Therapy Diet

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What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

By Jolyn Wells-Moran, PhD, MSW Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that can cause significant damage to the sufferer’s life. OCD begins with obsessive thoughts. These lead to the development of behaviors meant to control the thoughts. The behaviors then become compulsive rituals. The person feels strongly compelled to perform the rituals in response to the disturbing thoughts, even though relief may be very short-lived. Serious trouble with relationships, self-confidence, depression, quality of life and, perhaps, a related or other disorder in addition to the OCD, often ... Read the rest of this entry »

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CDC Concludes Common Treatments for Trauma Lack Empirical Evidence of Success

LCSW A recent study by the Center for Disease Control, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, is being touted as evidence that some very common treatments for trauma lack empirical evidence of success in helping children and adolescents. The study, which reviewed a small percentage of the available literature, found evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral treatment, but not for six other kinds of therapy, including what may be the most widely used interventions – play and art therapy. But the data may not be as convincing as ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Know Thyself: The Role of Awareness in Psychotherapy

Awareness is Ever-Present To be aware is to witness. And our witnessing selves are always there when we dream, [1] in daily activities, when feeling emotions, and in states of excitement or distress. We are constantly aware, though our focus may be clear or muddled. Without awareness, there is no consciousness. But awareness is hard to see. It is ever-present, like the air we breathe. Although always present, awareness may not be remembered. For example, we may walk around a table while moving from one room to another. But ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Social Support for Post-Cardiac Depression

LCSW A new study suggests yet another use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in helping people change their behaviors, this time in the treatment of smokers who suffer depression after a heart attack and are using tobacco to cope. Smoking is a severe risk factor in cardiac arrest, but quitting can of course be very difficult. CBT plus good social support seems to significantly enhance one’s ability to abstain from tobacco. Dr. Mickey Trockel of Stanford University Medical School report that CBT alone isn’t generally enough to assist smokers ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Research Report: Treatment for Children with Anxiety

LCSW A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine supports the effectiveness of combined medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy for children with anxiety. The study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, utilized sertraline, which is sold under Pfizer’s brand name Zoloft, to treat a majority of 488 kids, aged 7-17. Some of the subjects also received CBT, and some got CBT alone. The rest were given a placebo. The results were quite convincing. While just under 60% showed improvement with either medications or CBT alone, over 80% improved with ... Read the rest of this entry »

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The Struggle to Stop Soldier Suicide: Dept. of Defense Plans Psychotherapy Study

For many people of all vocations and backgrounds, times have been considerably tough for the past few years. Major changes in terms of financial life along with a rapidly growing and changing world have created a fair amount of turmoil, and those in both developed and emerging nations have been feeling the pinch. Yet perhaps closest to the ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effective Online in Precise Circumstances

A GoodTherapy.org News Summary The many benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy are widely lauded among both mental health professionals and the clients who have benefited from its introduction into their lives. In particular, those experiencing symptoms of depression are likely to gain a great deal of personal empowerment and inspiration from undergoing a course of cognitive behavioral therapy, achieving a greater understanding of themselves and the world at large through examining thoughts and behaviors. Unfortunately, access to this form of treatment as well as psychotherapy at large is significantly ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Review Questions Classification of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

A GoodTherapy.org News Headline Typically, those who experience strong compulsions to perform certain tasks or routines repeatedly with concerns about the perceived consequences of not doing so are associated with obsessive compulsive disorder, a mental health issue that can become debilitating for some people. This issue has traditionally been classified as relating to health concerns involving anxiety, but a review carried out at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that OCD ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Post-Partum Depression Gets a Kick from Regular Therapy

A GoodTherapy.org News Summary After the stresses of pregnancy and birth and the approaching responsibilities of motherhood, having a child can produce a fair amount of anxiety and depression, even in those new mothers who experience joy in connection with their child. In the modern climate of pharmaceutical breakthroughs, this Post-Partum Depression is often shrugged off as a pesky result of some pregnancies, and treated with a regimen of anti-depressants or other drugs. But two new studies performed by the University of Toronto in Canada and the University of ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Intimacy & Stress

Written by Cory Honikman, MSW

The following article was solely written and edited by the author named above. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org.

According to the American Institute of Stress, up to 90% of all health problems are related to stress. Additionally, research confirms that our thoughts and emotions have a dynamic effect on our health and vitality. When our body feels the affects of acute stress, it ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Pain and Loss of Sleep May Benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A GoodTherapy.org News Headline It has long been suspected that insomnia, rather than being a symptom of other health concerns, is a standalone issue that tends to be accompanied by any number of physical and mental difficulties. Those who experience chronic pain, such as in the case of people afflicted by osteoarthritis, are often affected by difficulty sleeping as well. Seeking better treatment for such clients, researchers at the University of Washington Seattle have performed a study on the ability of ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Written by Edward A. Dreyfus, Ph.D. I have been alarmed by the increasing incidence of alcohol and drug abuse, especially among teenagers. Users are getting younger; even children as young as eight years old have been found using various mind-altering substances. This article will focus on giving you information about the various treatments available for alcohol and substance abuse in the hope that it may help you or someone you know obtain the treatment needed. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use is the cause of more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Study Finds CBT More Effective for SAD than Light Therapy

A GoodTherapy.org News Headline Each year as the sun begins to tuck its familiar summer warmth into a gray blanket of clouds, some people just can't seem to get into the Autumn spirit. Feelings of loss, sadness, remorse, and other negative and often strong emotions may arise, making it difficult to enjoy day to day living. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, can be difficult to control, and finding a positive treatment mechanism is a goal among many mental health professionals. Recently, ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Anxiety: Can You Really Get Rid Of It?

By Becki A. Hein, MS, LPC, One of the most common requests I get from clients in my psychotherapy practice is “Please help me get rid of this anxiety!” I then get to explain the Bad news and the Good news. The Bad news is that you are not going to get rid of your anxiety. In fact, it would be harmful to not be able to feel anxious. Anxiety and fear come with being alive. Anxiety can be useful when it causes you to be extra alert or careful, ... Read the rest of this entry »

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy