Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dr. Wiegartz specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a short-term psychotherapy in which the client and therapist collaborate to understand and modify the thinking and behavioral patterns that lead to and maintain anxiety. Many studies have supported the effectiveness of CBT in treating anxiety disorders. Sessions are conducted one-to-one and are generally held on a weekly basis at the beginning of treatment, with frequency of sessions tapering as symptoms improve.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
This treatment is specifically geared toward helping clients gradually confront feared objects, thoughts, or situations while not engaging in their usual rituals, reassurance seeking or escape behaviors. Over time, anxiety decreases and clients learn to comfortably face their fears. ERP is beneficial in the treatment of many anxiety disorders and expert consensus guidelines recommend its use in obsessive compulsive disorder. Depending on symptom intensity and presentation, either weekly or more intensive treatment may be recommended.
Consultation Services
Dr. Wiegartz is able to provide consultative services to clients seeking comprehensive evaluation of their anxiety symptoms. This evaluation includes a thorough clinical interview, consideration of symptom and treatment history and review of paper and pencil questionnaire measures. Diagnostic feedback, anxiety education and individualized treatment recommendations are provided to clients and can be forwarded to treatment providers at the patient's request.
