Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Based on the most current science, our therapists give you skills and a clear understanding of your struggles, as well as a clear understanding of what to do about them, how, and why - so that you can make lasting changes. Though there are some exceptions, our clients normally work with us three and nine months, and they leave with tools that can last a lifetime. If you are looking for a therapist to help you process your thoughts and feelings, we are very good at that, too, and we can see you as long as you need.Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Based on the most current science, our therapists give you skills and a clear understanding of your struggles, as well as a clear understanding of what to do about them, how, and why - so that you can make lasting changes. Though there are some exceptions, our clients normally work with us three and nine months, and they leave with tools that can last a lifetime. If you are looking for a therapist to help you process your thoughts and feelings, we are very good at that, too, and we can see you as long as you need.
Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Based on the most current science, our therapists give you skills and a clear understanding of your struggles, as well as a clear understanding of what to do about them, how, and why - so that you can make lasting changes. Though there are some exceptions, our clients normally work with us three and nine months, and they leave with tools that can last a lifetime. If you are looking for a therapist to help you process your thoughts and feelings, we are very good at that, too, and we can see you as long as you need. Read More
Rob Young, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
OCD, Marriage/Couples, Anxiety, Depression
I specialize in anxiety, OCD, PTSD and couples issues, including couples counseling and couples with mis-matched sex drives. I focus heavily on educating clients about the details of the nature of their challenges and the rationale for suggested approaches. I believe that therapy should not be about endlessly recounting your past or “finding someone to talk to.” I’m very friendly, but if you love the typical therapist personality, we have better options for you.
Mike Pease, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Young Adults and Adults
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (a form of CBT specifically for PTSD) I have a special interest in treating PTSD/trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression. It is my priority to create a safe, comfortable space and therapeutic relationship that cultivates healing, understanding, and growth, and to empower meaningful change. I earned my Masters at VCU, and I have worked in a variety of settings in Richmond with adults and teens.
Malissa Watterson, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, Reduced Fee
Teens and Adults
I have experience and training working with teens and adults, but I have a special interest in working with adults, particularly mothers experiencing perinatal anxiety and mood disorders. I am very accepting and easy to relate to, and I am serious about following evidence-based guidelines. I live in Richmond, but I commute to our Charlottesville office 2 days a week until we open our Richmond office.
John Snyder, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adolescents, Teens and Adults
My approach to CBT is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I have experience and interest in working with anxiety, social skills and conflict, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship problems, trauma, and grief. I have a lot of experience helping clients navigate very complicated problems, and I am very accepting and gentle in my approach. I grew up in Richmond, but because I now live in the the valley, I only see Richmond clients over the web.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of being healthy – if it is helpful. Many times, anxiety gets so bad that it seriously impacts your happiness. In fact, it is a leading cause of depression. It involves symptoms like worry, unpleasant bodily sensations, sleeplessness, and even panic attacks. It usually leads to some form of avoidance that can deprive you of fulfillment and pleasure. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches people to think and act in ways that significantly reduce the emotional experience of anxiety, and just makes life easier and more pleasant.
Depression
Common causes of Depression are social isolation, troubled relationships, fatigue from anxiety and stress, a lack of a sense of purpose, a belief that things will not get better, and negative self-talk, among others. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses these problems directly. We don’t just sit and listen. We give you real skills, and we help you understand the complexiites of the problem so that you are able to maintain your gains after therapy. There is no connection between serotonin and depression – for more information, see the article in Nature.
Panic Attacks
Chronic panic attacks are usually a symptom of something else, such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or OCD. Sometimes a person has one panic attack becasue they think they are going to be fired, or their blood sugar has dropped from not eating. But then they become afraid that they will have another panic attack. And that fear predisposes them to more panic attacks. We call that Panic Disorder. Panic Control Treatment (a form of CBT) teaches you to not fear panic so that you are less likely to have panic attacks. Most people completely stop having panic attacks.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
We use Cognitive Processing Therapy (a specialized version of CBT) to treat PTSD. This approach is considered the Gold Standard by the DoD and the VA. It does not involve “facing your trauma.” Our clients rarely if ever cry or become distressed during this evidence-based therapy, which involves articulating and examining beliefs about the cause and effects of the trauma, without eliciting emotion. Check out NPR’s “This American Life” podcast episode on the treatment here.
Stress Management
Like anxiety, stress is a normal part of life. But too much of it sucks. We will help you understand what is getting in the way of reducing stress, and we will help you overcome those barriers. You don’t want to read any more. You’re already stressed as it is.
OCD
People with OCD either have irrational thoughts they can’t get out of their head, or they have an irresistible urge to do something (that is not addictive). These urges lead to repetitive behaviors that get in the way of life. These thoughts are extremely distressing and often lead to avoidant behaviors. Exposure and Ritual Prevention can bring your life back.
Couples Counseling
Dr. Young is a Marriage/Couples Counselor. He specializes in positive marriage counseling and sex therapy, with a special emphasis on sexual desire mis-matches. Though he does treat erectile dysfunction (because it’s almost always an anxiety problem), he does not treat fetishes, orgasmic disorder, or sex addictions, and he does not teach sexual skills. He views sexual problems as relational in nature.