Dr. Fisher typically utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to individual therapy (also commonly referred to as “psychotherapy,” “individual treatment,” or “psychological treatment”). CBT is one the most heavily researched therapies in the past several decades, and CBT has been shown to be highly effective for a variety of psychological disorders. In addition, Dr. Fisher attempts to use evidence-based approaches whenever possible.

What is CBT?
During CBT sessions, Dr. Fisher helps patients to identify and change maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors in order to help them improve how they feel. CBT is not a “turn that frown upside down” approach; instead, CBT is a sophisticated therapy grounded in the cognitive and behavioral sciences that can produce meaningful changes in emotion and behavior. Research also shows that CBT can produce lasting changes (i.e.,  years or even a life-time after treatment has ended) and can help to prevent relapse. Dr. Fisher typically takes an active approach with his patients. A core feature of CBT is the development of rapport, trust, and openness between the patient and psychologist. The patient’s treatment goals are set collaboratively and revised as needed throughout treatment.

How Long Is A Typical Treatment?
CBT is considered to be a relatively brief therapy (often 15 – 20 sessions) that typically occurs once per week; however, many factors impact the total number of sessions required for successful treatment, such as consistent patient attendance, the severity of the disorder, and regular completion of work outside of therapy. Not surprisingly, those who work hardest in treatment often benefit the most.

Other Treatment Approaches?
Dr. Fisher maintains a flexible approach to treatment and, whenever possible, selects treatments based on the patient’s personal preferences. With this in mind, Dr. Fisher integrates other psychological treatments, such solution focused therapy (SFT), prolonged exposure therapy, behavioral activation therapy, relaxation therapy, and supportive counseling. For example, solution focused therapy helps the patient to identify and focus on the solution(s), rather than on the problem(s), and to implement these solutions. Other techniques may help the patient face his or her worst fears directly (prolonged exposure therapy), learn diaphragmatic breathing (relaxation therapy), or to listen supportively and non-judgmentally to the patient’s most important concerns with limited suggestions or recommendations (supportive counseling).

What Types Of Disorders Has Dr. Fisher Worked With?
Dr. Fisher has worked with patients who present with a variety of psychological conditions or disorders, such depression, anxiety, panic attacks (panic disorder; “anxiety attacks”), agoraphobia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, phobias (such as social phobias [“social anxiety disorder”]), substance abuse, sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Dr. Fisher has also worked with patients with medical conditions with a concurrent psychological component that contributes to suffering, such as chronic pain, headaches, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.

To learn more about Dr. Fisher’s background and clinical training, please visit the About section. Please contact us with any questions you may have about your particular mental health situation.

Dr. Fisher launched a new informational website to highlight his treatment approach for panic attacks (panic disorder) with or without agoraphobia. For more information, please visit PanicIntervention.com.

Learn about our other psychological services here.