Therapy

Therapy is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Common approaches that Dr. Peters uses include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. See below for more information. 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focuses on the relationship between maladaptive thoughts and subsequent feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Specific problems and goals for therapy are identified and targeted. For disorders related to anxiety and depression, CBT has the most research support. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is considered a type of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It was developed as an approach for working with chronically suicidal individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. The goals of DBT include addressing issues related to emotional dysregulation and providing new skills, such as distress tolerance, interpersonal, emotional regulation, and mindfulness skills. DBT has been effective in addressing mental health issues, such as suicide, self-injurious behavior, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Empirical support for DBT has since extended beyond those areas to include eating disorders, substance abuse, and anger.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a technique that explores pros and cons of various individual behaviors in an attempt to motivate behavioral change. Open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarization are used to understand ambivalence and other therapeutic issues. 

Assessment

Most evaluations involve intelligence and achievment measures, parent and teacher surveys, and parent, teacher, and child interviews.  Assessments are structured based upon the needs of the individual student.