What to Expect

Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to be time-limited and goal-focused. As such, Dr. Wilkinson will work with you to identify treatment goals based on your unique concerns, values, and strengths. After the initial assessment, most individuals benefit from attending weekly sessions and then tapering the session frequency as treatment progresses. Therapy sessions will require active participation as an essential component of the treatment process, including both within-session and between-session practice of skills.

Dr. Wilkinson encourages individuals (or an individual’s parents) to complete a complimentary phone consultation to learn more about the treatment process and to help ensure a good fit prior to start of treatment. Following this initial consultation, all clients complete an in-person, intake assessment; however, the structure of the intake assessment and subsequent therapy sessions varies depending on the developmental needs of each individual.

Children (12 years and younger)

For children, the intake assessment consists of a 90-minute parent session and a follow-up, 60-minute session with your child. These initial assessments provide the basis for your child’s tailored treatment plan and ensure therapy best addresses the difficulties your child is experiencing.

For all individuals in this age range, parents are an essential part of the treatment process. Parents at a minimum will be asked to join the latter portion of each session and may be asked to attend entire sessions and/or parent-only sessions.

Adolescents (12 to 17 years of age)

The intake assessment will consist of two sessions, a 90-minute session and a follow-up, 60-minute session. The intake process will include a parent interview; however, the duration of the parent interview will vary depending on an individual’s developmental needs and the presenting concerns. These initial assessments provide the basis for your teen’s tailored treatment plan and ensure therapy best addresses the difficulties your teen is experiencing.

While parents are involved in the treatment process, the nature of this involvement is highly variable and is determined to balance your teen’s need for both privacy and parental support.

Adults (18 years and Older)

The intake assessment will consist of a 90-minute session, though the assessment may be concluded in a follow-up session on a case-by-case basis. The initial assessment provides the basis of your tailored treatment plan and ensures therapy best addresses the difficulties you are experiencing.