Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Baltimore
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or “CBT” is an approach to the alleviation of depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, and even the treatment of medical diagnoses such as chronic headaches that has met the “gold standard” of care in the eyes of the American Psychological Association. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a present-focused, problem-solving approach to treatment that helps clients realize that fixing disordered thinking fixes problem behaviors and troublesome symptoms like worry and sadness. Despite our recognition the CBT is a highly effective form of treatment we would be remiss if we did not mention that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is not the only scientifically-proven approach to treatment. The American Psychological Association has also given their stamp of approval to other approaches to treatment used by therapists in the Baltimore Therapy Group including Emotion Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Meet Our
Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
in Baltimore
While therapists in the Baltimore Therapy Group use a variety of empirically supported treatments including Interpersonal Process Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy to help clients overcome the struggles that bring them to therapy, three of our therapists specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or “CBT”. Meet David Essien, PsyD; Cassandra Ekstrom, LCSW-C; Jennifer McMillan, LCPC; Jessica Jones, LCSW-C; Craig Boas, LCSW-C and Andrea Castelhano, PsyD.
David Essien, PSy.D.
Licensed psychologist in baltimore
David is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients overcome depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, and addictions. He blends cognitive behavioral therapy with an interpersonal process approach. This means that he uses scientifically-proven CBT techniques while also keeping a warm, therapeutic relationship a priority.
Cassandra Ekstrom, LCSW-C
Licensed social worker in baltimore
Cassie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or “CBT” to work with those who come to therapy wanting to improve depression/sadness, anxiety/worry, and addictions. She also has advanced training in the treatment of trauma from the Ferentz Institute. In addition to traditional CBT, Cassie also has experience using more contemporary versions of CBT including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Jennifer McMillan, LCPC
Licensed counselor in Baltimore
Jennifer utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach while incorporating aspects of dialectical behavior therapy. She also believes the relationship she builds with her clients is of utmost importance so she spends time cultivating a trusting partnership with her clients. As a cognitive behavioral therapist, Jennifer focuses her work on those hoping to find relief from stress and anxiety, trauma, sadness and depression, life transition, identity struggles, and healthy communication.
rachel greenberg Larson, mA
Licensed counselor in Baltimore
Rachel enjoys using cognitive behavioral therapy along with a collaborative approach to help clients resolve underlying issues related to anxiety, depression, substance use, school and work performance, and grief and loss. Through the practice of evidenced based therapies like CBT as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, she believes that helping clients build on their strengths while incorporating new coping strategies is the key to successful therapeutic outcomes. Rachel works with both children (aged 3 and up) and adults.
emily burton, lcsw-c
Licensed social worker in baltimore
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emily works collaboratively with her clients to deepen their understanding of how thoughts, behaviors, and relationships can be utilized to lessen emotional distress and solidify long-lasting changes. This is true in her work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, and relationship distress. She recognizes the benefits of CBT with both individuals and couples.
Jessica Jones, LCsw-c
Licensed Social worker in Baltimore
Jessica uses a strengths-based perspective informed by evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. She believes that these approaches, along with a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship, will help you explore what is missing or what was lost in your life’s journey and relationships. Jessica works with both children (aged 7 and up) and adults.
Andrea Castelhano, PsyD
Licensed psychologist in Baltimore
Andrea uses cognitive behavioral therapy to promote self-acceptance and compassion, while simultaneously providing empowering tools to resolve problems, improve the quality of life, and strengthen relationships. She specializes in treating disordered eating and exercise behavior, body image concerns, anxiety, depression and cultural stress.