Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Children, Teens, and Young Adults in Portland, OR

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and well-researched treatments for emotional and behavioral challenges in children, teens, and young adults. CBT helps individuals understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical sensations. By learning to identify unhelpful patterns and develop new skills, young people can build confidence, improve coping, and create meaningful change in their lives.

CBT is practical, goal-oriented, and tailored to each person's developmental level. Rather than simply talking about problems, CBT focuses on learning and practicing strategies that help children and teens navigate challenges more effectively both in and outside of therapy.

What to Expect During Therapy

CBT is an active and collaborative process. Therapy begins with understanding your child's strengths, goals, and the challenges that are impacting their daily life.

Together, we work to:

• Understand patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Learn practical coping skills

• Challenge unhelpful thinking patterns

• Reduce avoidance

• Build confidence and resilience

• Strengthen emotional regulation

• Improve problem-solving skills

• Practice new skills between sessions

When working with younger children, I use games, creative activities, visual supports, and developmentally appropriate interventions to make therapy engaging and effective. Parents and caregivers are often involved to help reinforce skills and support progress at home.

My Approach to CBT

I believe therapy works best when it combines scientific evidence with a strong therapeutic relationship. My approach to CBT is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I tailor treatment to each child's developmental needs, strengths, cultural background, and family circumstances.

As a child and adolescent psychologist in Portland, OR, I frequently integrate CBT with other evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Parent Management Training, SPACE, CBIT for Tics/Tourette’s, and family-based interventions when appropriate.

The goal of therapy is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help children, teens, and young adults build the skills, confidence, and flexibility they need to thrive.