Every behavior serves a purpose or function. As human beings with free choice, we act purposefully and to fill a need whether or not we are fully aware of it. Understanding the function of a behavior will help us understand the reason behind the action and how we can handle unhelpful behaviors in ourselves and those around us.  Most functions of behavior fall into four categories, with the acronym EATS: Function #1 - E scape Sometimes things feel so overwhelming that we just

You might not have known this, but going to therapy is like getting involved in a relationship.  Like all good relationships, you want to make sure it’s productive and healthy. Unlike all good relationships, though, therapy shouldn’t be a forever-thing. In therapy, a goal should be set and worked toward.  To ensure you have a healthy, productive, and goal-driven therapeutic relationship, you should ask questions that help you clarify what you’re looking to get out of therapy.

It’s amazing how quickly the mind picks up habits. Some stick around because they’re helpful, and others stay simply because they’re familiar. Many people come into therapy feeling frustrated that they “know better” but still slip into the same reactions or thought loops. The truth is that the brain doesn’t change just because we want it to. It changes through repetition and practice. That’s where therapies like CBT and DBT come in. They give the brain a new roadmap. One of t

Lessons From My Visit to מרפאת תעצומות, the IDF’s New PTSD Unit Dr. Ben Langstein visiting the IDF’s New PTSD Unit Living in Israel has opened up some truly unique professional experiences for me as a therapist trained in military and civilian trauma care. Just recently, I was invited to speak to a new trauma unit within the Israeli army, מרפאת תעצומות (Mirpa’at Ta’Atzumot), loosely translated as “Clinic of Strength.” Yesterday, I was able to visit the clinic and see their wo

What to be Wary Of In part one of the Pursuing Psychotherapy blog post, we figured out how to choose the right type of therapist and...

What is Psychotherapy? So you think you might need therapy. Now what? This series will help guide you through the process. Become an...

When I started my internship at The CBT/DBT Center six months ago, I thought I had things figured out. I'd read the textbooks, done well...

In recent times there’s been a growing awareness around mental health, and more people are seeking therapy than ever before. And yet,...

I’ve shared about why I love exposure therapy before, from a clinical perspective why it's the gold standard treatment for phobias, OCD,...

“Evidence-based therapy” might sound like complicated research jargon, but it’s actually a simple and empowering idea. It refers to...

Tu B’shvat is here!  Tu B’shvat is a holiday that typically doesn't get much attention compared to others, but it has such profound...

College students interested in clinical psychology are faced with a very difficult task. Most of these students are interested in gaining...

Living with uncertainty can be extremely distressing. Whether it is waiting for something as significant as medical results or as mundane...

If you're reading this, chances are that you are a person. And, if you are a person, chances are that you have some habits or behaviors...

People often wonder about how to get the most out of therapy. Is it finding the right therapist? Perhaps it's finding the right...

Are you someone that struggles with anxiety, depression, procrastination, low self- esteem, or some similarly nefarious mental health...

So you think you (your friend!) might need therapy. Now what?

Confronting Anxiety Head-On

When and Why