Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety

CBT is one of the most effective, research-backed treatments for anxiety disorders.  When using CBT we focus on the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Anxiety often involves worst-case thinking, rigid rules, or self-critical narratives that feel automatic and convincing. CBT helps you interrupt that cycle. In our anxiety therapy work together, you’ll learn to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, respond differently to anxious thoughts, reduce avoidance behaviors, and build practical coping tools you can use between sessions
CBT is structured, collaborative, and goal-oriented. It isn’t about “positive thinking.” It’s about understanding how anxiety works and learning how to shift it.

Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD

I-CBT is a specialized form of CBT designed specifically for OCD treatment.  OCD often begins with a small possibility — a “What if?” — that starts to feel urgent and real, even without evidence. I-CBT focuses on how that doubt forms in the first place. In I-CBT for OCD, we will work together on identifying the faulty reasoning  behind obsessive doubt, strengthening trust in your senses and real-world information, and reducing compulsions by addressing the obsession at its source. This approach is especially helpful for teens and adults experiencing mental rituals, “just right” compulsions, or constant internal doubt.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and Anxiety

ERP is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD and many anxiety disorders.  Avoidance and compulsions keep anxiety alive. In ERP therapy, we gradually and intentionally face feared situations, thoughts, or sensations. Over time, your brain learns that you can tolerate uncertainty, can handle discomfort, and don’t  have to listen to the anxious thoughts. ERP for OCD and anxiety is always structured and supported. We move at a pace that is challenging but manageable. The goal is increased freedom,  not overwhelm.

Treatment for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB’s):

BFRBS include hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (excoriation disorder), nail biting or cheek biting. These behaviors are often misunderstood as “bad habits,” but they are frequently linked to anxiety, a need to stabilize senses, and emotional pain.  Treatment focuses on increasing awareness of triggers, building alternative coping responses, reducing shame, and developing practical behavioral strategies.  Reducing secrecy and self-criticism is a powerful part of recovery.

Anxiety During Stressful Life Changes

Leaving for college, career transitions, relationship shifts, divorce, health concerns, caring for aging parents, midlife changes, or other major shifts may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next.  Even positive transitions can increase anxiety and create uncertainty. In therapy we will focus on regaining stability during change, reducing overwhelm, clarifying values and direction, and building confidence in your next steps. Anxiety during life transitions is common and treatable. Therapy offers structure and support when everything feels uncertain.

You don’t have to manage anxiety on your own.

If you’re looking for anxiety therapy in California, Idaho, or Florida for yourself or your teen, I’d be glad to help you take the next step.