Dr. Arnette offers Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxiety disorders (including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Social Anxiety Disorder), depressive disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Impulse Control Disorders (including Trichotillomania), Adjustment Disorders, and other concerns.
CBT is a time-limited approach, which is highly instructive and involves active client participation both within-session and between-sessions. The process of treatment typically begins with a thorough interview during which diagnostic issues are clarified and treatment goals are established. Dr. Arnette works with each client or family to develop a collaborative treatment plan, and provides education to parents and clients regarding diagnoses, human development, and treatment.
As a CBT therapist, Dr. Arnette believes that change is the result of a client’s ability to think differently and to alter how he or she behaves in certain situations. One core assumption underlying CBT is that it is our thoughts that determine our feelings and behaviors, not “external” things (i.e. situations, events, or other people). Therefore, changing the way one thinks can lead to positive changes in feelings and behaviors, even if the external elements remain the same. Likewise, changing how one behaves when facing certain situations, can lead to a change in emotions or feelings. For example, CBT for anxiety disorders typically includes a behavioral component called Exposure with Response Prevention, which allows one to systematically “approach” his or her fears.