The short answer is, therapy is appropriate for anyone looking to solve their problems and feel better! A problem, simply defined, is anything that is not going the way you wish it to go. It is natural to initially try to solve problems on your own. However, when people begin to feel stuck, that is often when they seek therapy. Therapy is an opportunity to work through your problems and express your thoughts and feelings in an emotionally safe environment. Therapy provides a deeper understanding into who you are as a person and what motivates you. It offers an opportunity to learn new tools and skills to guide you into better solutions. Many people seek therapy to better understand why they feel the way they feel, or to better understand their role in various relationships. Many seek therapy to help cope with chronic medical conditions. And many people seek therapy during life transitions to explore more existential questions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a theoretical orientation in the field of psychology and is the primary philosophy and modality that Dr. Baron uses in treatment. The premise of CBT is that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all inter-related. CBT is backed by decades of evidence based clinical research and has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression and a multitude of emotional concerns.
Having support systems, such as friends and family, is wonderful. However, in therapy, you are working with a professional who wants the best for you, but does not have a vested interest. Friends and family often give advice. Therapy, however, is not advice giving, and this is because everyone's needs are different. Therapy with Dr. Baron is interactive. We will develop goals, explore your emotions, talk through your problems and dilemmas, and brainstorm and explore different ways to handle the life circumstances that are distressing to you.
The first step, even before beginning therapy, is to have a 15-minute complementary phone call with Dr. Baron. During this call, you can share the reasons you are seeking therapy, and you can get a feel for what it is like to talk with her. She can answer any additional questions you have, and if you choose to work with her, you will set up your patient portal and your first appointment. Sessions are typically once a week, and are approximately 50 minutes. Sessions will vary from week to week, and can include assessment, goal setting, psycho-education, stress management, relaxation training, time management, problem-solving therapy, and emotional regulation.
Dr. Baron is a big believer in recommending assignments in between sessions. There are 168 hours in a week, and there is so much to be gained outside the one hour of therapy! These assignments are meant to enhance what is being discussed in session, and Dr. Baron tries to keep them short and simple, so as not to add an additional stressor to your already busy life. She will discuss the assignment with you during the session and ensure you are comfortable with it.
Dr. Baron provides diagnostic screeners for you to complete prior to your first session, and will often ask you to repeat them after a few sessions. These diagnostic tools provide an objective measure of your mental health and are useful in monitoring your symptoms. In addition, your subjective experience, how you feel, will be the best measure of whether you are finding therapy helpful. Dr. Baron encourages you to communicate your thoughts and feelings about this and to express any concerns you have so that therapy can be further tailored to your needs and so that sessions are always moving in the direction of your goals.
Currently offering in person and virtual psychotherapy and currently accepting new patients.