Our CBT and CPT trained therapists
Jenée Thorsell - CBT trained and CPT certified
Jenny Graham - CBT trained and CPT trained
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched and commonly used approaches in therapy today. It's based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply connected and that by identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns, we can change the way we feel and respond to the world around us.
In CBT, you'll work collaboratively with your therapist to recognize patterns of thinking that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical strategies to challenge and reframe them. CBT is structured and goal-oriented, meaning sessions are focused and the skills you learn are meant to be used in your everyday life. It's an approach that empowers you to become your own best resource, understanding your mind and building tools that last well beyond the therapy room.
CBT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, and more. Whether you're navigating a specific challenge or looking to better understand how your thinking shapes your experience, CBT offers a clear, practical path forward.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specialized form of CBT developed specifically to address the impact of trauma. It is one of the most researched and recommended treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is recognized by leading mental health organizations as a gold-standard approach to trauma recovery.
CPT focuses on identifying and working through "stuck points", unhelpful beliefs that can develop after a traumatic experience, such as feelings of self-blame, shame, or a distorted sense of safety and trust. Rather than requiring you to recount every detail of your trauma, CPT helps you examine the meaning you've made of what happened and gently challenges beliefs that may be holding you back from healing.
Treatment is typically structured over 12 sessions and involves both in-session work with your therapist and brief practice exercises between appointments. Many people find that CPT helps them regain a sense of control, rebuild trust in themselves and others, and move forward with greater clarity and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
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CBT is built on the understanding that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected — and that by identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns, people can improve how they feel and function.
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CBT has been shown to be effective for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, personality disorders, and insomnia, among other concerns.
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CBT and CPT does require practice between sessions, therapists assign exercises to help clients apply new skills in their daily lives. The more actively someone participates, the greater the results.
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CPT is a structured, manualized therapy specifically designed to help people recover from PTSD. It incorporates elements of CBT and focuses on identifying "stuck points" beliefs about the causes and consequences of trauma that keep people from healing. Unlike general talk therapy, CPT follows a clear protocol with specific goals for each session.
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Stuck points are the negative thoughts created by trauma that keep people from recovering, for example, believing the world is always dangerous or that they are to blame for what happened.
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While some aspects of the trauma will be explored as trust is established between you and your therapist, and this exploration is an important part of processing what happened, CPT does not require you to repeatedly revisit the details of your experience the way some other approaches do. Unlike EMDR, for example, CPT focuses more on understanding how the trauma has shaped your thoughts and beliefs than on reprocessing the event itself in detail. You may be asked to write about how the trauma has affected you, but the emphasis is always on making meaning and moving forward, not on reliving the past.
The process of
scheduling an appointment.
1. Schedule a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation in therapy involves setting up a phone call to discuss your goals and needs. During this initial conversation, I’ll share my specialties and approach to ensure we’re a good fit for working together. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and decide if continuing with in-person sessions feels like the right step forward.
2. Intake Session
An intake session is an essential first step in our work together. During this one-hour session, we focus on creating a safe, welcoming space where we can begin to build rapport and explore your unique needs. I’ll guide you through a series of intake questions to better understand your background, goals, and any concerns you may have. This helps us lay the foundation for our work together and ensures we’re on the right path for your growth.
3. Ongoing Sessions
Ongoing therapy sessions are focused on supporting your progress and deepening our work together. Each session is tailored to your current needs, whether that’s exploring challenges, developing coping strategies, or working toward your goals. We aim to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and heard, so we can explore what matters most to you and help you move forward at your own pace. It’s all about making real progress, one step at a time.