Question 1

What does treatment for OCD look like? Is it effective?

Accepted Answer

Effective treatment for OCD involves a combination of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Exposure Therapy helps you gradually face your fears, CBT teaches you to challenge negative thoughts, and ACT helps you accept difficult feelings while living a meaningful life. These therapies equip you with practical tools to manage your worries and change unhelpful habits. These interventions are the gold-standard for treatment of OCD and anxiety and are proven to be highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Question 2

What treatments are effective children experiencing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment for various anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. CBT for anxiety teaches kids how to change their anxious thoughts, face their fears in a step-by-step way, learn relaxation skills, and solve problems.

Question 3

What treatments are effective for teens experiencing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

The therapy interventions most effective for teens with anxiety include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These interventions allow teens to talk about their thoughts and feelings, gradually face their fears in a safe way, learn to stay calm in the moment, and accept difficult feelings while still doing things that are important to them. These therapies help teens understand and change unhelpful patterns of thinking, confront their fears step by step, stay present and relaxed, increase psychological flexibility, and live a fulfilling life despite anxiety.

Question 4

What is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a specialized form of treatment primarily used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. In ERP, individuals are gradually exposed to situations, objects, or thoughts that trigger their anxiety or obsessions, known as exposure. However, unlike traditional exposure therapy, ERP also involves preventing the individual from engaging in their typical compulsive behaviors or rituals, known as response prevention. By repeatedly confronting their fears without giving in to compulsions, individuals learn that their feared outcomes are unlikely to occur or that they can tolerate the anxiety without resorting to rituals. Over time, ERP helps individuals break free from the cycle of anxiety and compulsions, leading to significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life.

Question 5

Is ERP appropriate for children & teens?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is widely recognized as the most effective intervention for children & teens struggling with OCD. Numerous studies and clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing OCD symptoms and improving functioning in children and adolescents with OCD.

Exposure work (with children, teens, or adults) should always be collaborative. Facing fears is often a scary concept, so it’s crucial that the child or teen is in the driver’s seat throughout individual therapy.

Question 6

What is supportive parenting of anxious childhood emotions (SPACE)?

Accepted Answer

Visit the SPACE page here.(https://www.alexandratueni.com/space)

Question 7

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

Accepted Answer

Visit the PCIT page here.(https://www.alexandratueni.com/pcit)

Question 8

What should I expect during the first session?

Accepted Answer

During the first session, we’ll discuss what brings you or your child to therapy and the challenges arising. We will then work together to identify a treatment plan that is most appropriate depending on your specific needs. You will leave the first session with a clear understanding of the plan moving forward, what therapy will look like, and the goals we’ll be working toward.

Question 9

Are parents involved in their child’s treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parents are often involved in their child's treatment, especially in therapy for children. In many cases, parental involvement is crucial for the success of the therapy. Depending on the child's needs, parents may attend sessions, meet with the therapist separately, and implement techniques at home. Additionally, therapists may provide parents with education about how to communicate effectively with their child and strategies for creating a supportive and nurturing environment. Ultimately, the level of parental involvement will vary depending on what is most appropriate for the child and is determined collaboratively between the therapist, the child, and the parents. Finding a balance between parental involvement and the child's right to privacy is crucial for fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship and achieving positive outcomes.

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

I do not directly accept insurance; however, I provide superbills on request that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. This allows you to seek reimbursement directly from your insurance provider while still receiving the therapy services you need. It's important to check with your insurance provider about out-of-network coverage and any potential deductibles or copayments.

Additionally, some insurance plans offer gap exceptions, which may provide coverage for out-of-network services in certain circumstances, such as when in-network providers are not available or accessible. Gap exceptions can help ensure that you receive the necessary therapy services even if they are not within your plan's network. Understanding whether your insurance plan allows for a gap exception before starting therapy is important, so you can make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Question 11

Do you see clients in person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

I offer services both in person and virtually.

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