Frequently asked questions

What is the theoretical orientation and treatment philosophy of your providers?

Therapists at Aspire Behavioral Health Services have a cognitive-behavioral orientation. Each of our providers is trained in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and related treatments that are well-supported by scientific evidence as being effective. 

We view psychotherapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client, in that both therapist and client bring something essential and unique to the relationship.  Our therapists bring their warmth, empathy, and a clinical skillset developed over years of training and experience, while clients bring their self-understanding, lifetime of experiences, and knowledge of what it is like to walk in their shoes.  It is our philosophy that in order to help people, we need to first see the world through their lens.    

Our mission is to provide our clients the tools they need to be their own therapists so that they can successfully manage and navigate the ups and downs of life.  We believe therapy has been a success when clients feel empowered to move forward without our help. While everyone’s needs are different, we know that most people don’t need to be in therapy for years to make meaningful change in their lives and their mental health, and most of our clients remain in therapy for less than one year.

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is based on the understanding that a person’s experience is comprised of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Because these three areas are all interconnected, making a change in one of these areas affects change in the other two. As a result, CBT encourages clients to change their unhelpful thinking and behaviors in order to change their overall experience and the way that they relate to themselves and the world.

CBT was developed in the middle of the 20th century and is widely regarded as the most effective psychotherapy available for many mental health problems.  There are thousands of research studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment for many different treatment targets in many populations.  Standard CBT has also been adapted and modified to better fit specific mental health problems (e.g., depression, panic disorder, PTSD) or specific members of the population (e.g., older adults, veterans). In addition, “third wave” CBT is another group of treatments that is foundationally similar to CBT but has some important differences including an emphasis on mindfulness and acceptance.  More information on these specific treatments is available from our providers.

What should I expect at my first therapy session?

At your first meeting, we will review your completed paperwork and go over our policies and informed consent for participation in services. We will also begin an intake assessment to get a better understanding of why you are seeking therapy, your current functioning, background, and treatment goals.  Together, we use this information to collaborate to create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.  Overall, it is typical for the initial intake and treatment planning process to take between one and three sessions.

Is therapy right for me?

Therapy can be helpful for many people and can result in meaningful and lasting improvements in many areas of life.  We have had the privilege of watching individuals in therapy make tremendous change and achieve their goals. We also believe that therapy has to occur at the right time, meaning that individuals must have motivation for participation in the process.  Therapy requires effort in and out of session, and individuals will see the best results if they are willing to prioritize the process like one would when trying to learn any new skill. We are able to help individuals determine their current level of motivation and can also help them increase motivation.