Healing Approaches Explained

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people change self-defeating thoughts and beliefs in order to improve their feelings and behaviors. CBT focuses on problem-solving, building new coping skills, and creating healthier patterns of thinking.
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What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Definition:
    • CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment focused on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
  • How it Works:
    • It involves a structured, goal-oriented approach with active collaboration between client and therapist.
    • Clients often complete exercises like thought journals, practice new behaviors, and apply skills outside of sessions.
  • Focus:
    • CBT primarily focuses on present-day challenges rather than deep exploration of past experiences.
    • It can be delivered individually, in groups, or through telehealth

What Does CBT Treat and What Are the Benefits?

  • Conditions Treated:
    • Anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, panic disorder)
    • Depression
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Eating disorders
    • Insomnia and sleep issues
    • Chronic pain and chronic illness-related stress
  • Benefits:
    • Equips individuals with practical, long-lasting coping skills.
    • Reduces symptoms and improves overall quality of life.
    • Research shows CBT can be as effective as medication for many conditions
    • Promotes independence by teaching clients to manage future challenges on their own.

Who is CBT Appropriate For?

  • Well Suited For:
    • Children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
    • Individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or low self-esteem.
  • Ideal for:
    • Those willing to actively participate in sessions and practice skills between appointments.
    • People who prefer a structured, goal-focused therapeutic approach.

Additional Resources

Mind Body Therapy Collective Practitioners

Stephanie Bourgeois, LCSW

Stephanie is co-founder of the Mind Body Therapy Collective. With almost 30 years of experience, she practices traditional therapy as well as holistic/somatic treatments. As a consultant in EMDR, she is a trauma specialist who treats complex trauma and traumatic loss. Additionally, she treats anxiety, depression, relationship or parenting challenges, self -harming, grief and life transitions etc. using an eclectic approach that also includes mindfulness, sandplay therapy, IFS, EFT, CBT and body centered therapies.

Noelle K. Jensen, LCSW

Noelle is an experienced therapist who enjoys working with adults of all ages in both individual and couples counseling. Therapy is a process. Noelle believes the most important elements include forming a meaningful connection, recognizing strengths, and facilitating unique pathways to growth and change. Life is full of both wonder and adversity, we are all on a journey and at times it can be helpful to talk about what is happening in your life and explore ways you would like to change. Noelle uses an eclectic therapeutic approach to meet you where you are.

Julie Leung, LCSW-R

Julie is a clinical social worker with 30 years of experience. She is warm, accepting and non-judgmental. Her treatment approach is eclectic and holistic, tailoring treatment to the unique needs of her clients. Julie specializes in trauma work utilizing an advance technique known as Brainspotting to assess the body’s self-healing ability to process trauma, anxiety, depression and relational struggles.

Sarah Spagnola Young, LCSW

Sarah combines mindfulness-based techniques with CBT to address life’s challenges. She focuses on sports performance, grief, depression, and life transitions with an emphasis on the mind-body connection. Her integrative approach helps clients become more present, grounded, and resilient in a relaxed and nonjudgmental space.

Stacia Thiel, LCSW NY & NJ

NY/NJ licensed integrative clinical social worker specializing in trauma, attachment, and relational healing. Certified in EMDR, hypnotherapy, and Discernment Counseling for Couples, with advanced training in EFT, structural family therapy, and somatic practices. I integrate IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to support individuals, couples, and families through life transitions, relationship struggles, and mental health challenges. Certified clinical supervisor, board member of Family Service League, and professional musician. Available for Telehealth and in-person sessions in Montclair, NJ.

Christopher Thompson, Ph.D., L.P.C., A.C.S

I’m a licensed therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, OCD, and other forms of distress. I work extensively with both individuals and couples who are navigating conflict, disconnection, trust, and intimacy issues. My approach to therapy aims to foster insight, safety, resilience, and lasting relational change.

Tessa Vining

Tessa Vining, LCSW, LCADC, CCS

Tessa is co-founder of the Mind Body Therapy Collective and in the past 10 years, she has integrated innovative therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and EMDR, among others, to help her clients achieve meaningful change.

The Behavioral Therapy Collective

We are a comprehensive, adherent DBT practice for teens, adults, and high-conflict families, and also offer other evidence-based therapies such as Prolonged Exposure for Trauma and Exposure and Ritual Prevention for OCD.

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