Psychotherapy

Dr. Cooley conducts psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) with children*, adolescents and adults for a variety of psychological problems.  His therapeutic orientation is cognitive-behavioral which is the most common type of therapy practiced by psychologists.  The theory behind this therapy assumes that people have difficulty with various emotions (e.g., anxiety or depression) because the way they think about their situation is inaccurate.  Therapy involves teaching people how to think more realistically, rationally, and logically about their situations.  Research has shown that when people modify their thinking, their emotional state improves.  This theory and therapy sounds very simple.  It is, in fact, not difficult to understand, but it takes work and regular practice to modify one’s thinking patterns.   When this therapy is effective, it has been shown to be as or more effective than medication for many problems.

Initial appointments are one hour in length.  Subsequent sessions are 45-50 minutes. It could take up to several sessions for Dr. Cooley to fully understand your or your child’s problem in order to propose a course of treatment.  Sometimes, psychological tests are used in addition to discussions and interviews.  Treatment can involve just a couple of sessions to resolve single or simple issues or it can involve months of therapy.  Frequency of sessions depends on many factors including the nature of the problem, affordability, and scheduling issues. 

If Dr. Cooley thinks that other practitioners or treatments would be more appropriate to help you with your problem, he will provide you with referrals. 

* Children under age 7 or 8 can’t necessarily benefit from “talk therapy” as much as they might benefit from play therapy.  Dr. Cooley can evaluate young children’s problems but he may refer you to a play therapist.