Services
Become the best version of you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens
What is CBT for teens? It is a goal oriented treatment that explores the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The treatment helps teens change unhealthy or maladaptive behaviors by challenging the thoughts that lead to these emotions and behavior. What are the benefits of CBT for teens? Less depression Less anxiety Mood improvements Fewer mood swings Improved behavior patterns Enhanced academic performance A better overall quality of life Is CBT right for me? To find out if your teen is a candidate, we will discuss your teen's symptoms and medical history through a series of questions during a comprehensive psychological assessment before personalizing a highly effective treatment plan. What happens during a CBT session? During cognitive behavioral therapy for teens at Purposeful Life Therapy, your teen will meet with a licensed therapist who talks with them about their feelings, lifestyle, actions, habits, and much more in a collaborative session. To learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy for teens at Purposeful Life Therapy, call us at 202-938-1022 or book a virtual appointment today.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, structured type of psychotherapy. It’s based on the principle that the way an individual thinks and feels determines the way that individual behaves. The aim of therapy is to help you identify, challenge, and revise unhelpful thinking patterns in order to change how you respond to stressful situations. CBT can help you make tangible changes in the way you think and behave which often results in a better quality of life. What happens during sessions? What are the benefits? During therapy, we will focus on what is going on in your current life, rather than what has led up to the difficulties. Your therapist will collect a certain amount of information about your history, but the focus is primarily on moving forward, developing more effective ways of coping and reducing emotional/psychological distress. You will be encouraged to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and what’s troubling you. Treatment generally focuses on specific problems, using a goal-oriented approach. You will learn and practice skills that you can apply in your daily life. While some other forms of therapy are unstructured, in cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, you and your therapist will set an agenda for each session. The agenda might include a review of your experience in the previous session, your homework, one or two current problems, a review of what you’ve accomplished in the current session, and a summary of homework for the next week. What mental conditions does CBT treat? Anxiety Disorders Depression Phobias Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Sleep Disorders Eating Disorders Bipolar Disorder Addiction Anger Issues Stress
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is an in-depth form of talk therapy that focuses on increasing self-awareness and understanding the influence of the past on present behavior. Based on the work of Sigmund Freud, it is believed that talking about problems in a therapeutic setting can be tremendously valuable for the individual. Psychodynamic therapy will help you gain greater insight into understanding your emotions. By improving this understanding, you can make better choices and increase the quality of your life. What happens during a psychodynamic therapy session? What are the benefits? During therapy, you will be encouraged to talk freely about what is on your mind such as your emotions, desires, fears, and past experiences. The therapist will encourage you to put aside embarrassment and the urge to self-censor. Being open may help uncover vulnerable feelings that have been pushed out of conscious awareness. You will be guided to see how your behavior is being influenced by unconscious thought. Once your feelings are processed, defense mechanisms and self-defeating patterns can begin to reduce or resolve. Is Psychodynamic therapy right for me? Psychodynamic therapy works for the following conditions: depression, social anxiety, social phobia, and panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, psychopathological issues in adolescents and adults. The capacity for self reflection is key. This form of treatment is for individuals who are comfortable being self reflective and want to gain insight into themselves and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy can also improve people’s lives by helping them: strengthen their self-awareness to break self-defeating cycles, address issues with avoidance, and improve their understanding of relationship dynamics. It’s often useful for clients who are looking for long term solutions to the problems they face.
Speaking Engagements
Interested in Dr. Carolyn Watson speaking at your next mental health workshop or speaking engagement?
Dr. Watson’s presentation style is dynamic, audience-grabbing, interactive, and humorous. She creates a safe, relaxed environment for participants to receive tools to thrive. Her current workshop topics include teen topics as well as mental health and wellness topics for adults.
Teen Topics: Dealing with Stress, Living with Anxiety, Peer Pressure, Productivity & Time Management, Tools for Academic Success, Social Media & Bullying
Mental Health & Wellness Topics: Stress Management, Burnout Prevention, Healthy Relationships, Building Resilience, Imposter Syndrome, Overcoming Perfectionism, Procrastination, Thriving Thru Transitions, How to Hold Space for Others