What can I expect from the Centre for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
The initial meeting will involve a detailed assessment of your current concerns and how these are interfering with your life. By the end of the session you will be provided with an explanation of your symptoms, a CBT treatment plan (including an approximation of the number of sessions required), a description of alternative treatments, and an explanation of the risks and benefits associated with each treatment.
Subsequent treatment sessions will be booked on a weekly basis, though some individuals may request or may be required to meet more or less frequently. Sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration. Depending upon the treatment, longer sessions may be required.
An integral part of CBT is homework assignments. Because an hour a week is usually not enough time to learn necessary skills, homework will be assigned to help you master these skills on your own time, and to help you identify problem areas which may be discussed during sessions.
Are CBT sessions confidential?
Confidentiality and its limits will be thoroughly discussed in the first session. Under most circumstances, anything that you disclose to the psychologist cannot be revealed to anyone else without your written consent.
What are the treatment costs?
The Centre for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy follows the fee guidelines set out by the Ontario Psychological Association. Psychologists cannot accept Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients often receive a full or partial reimbursement of the fee through their employer’s extended health care benefits (check for details).
Who will administer the treatment?
Dr. David Direnfeld is the Clinical Director of the Centre for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He is a licensed psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Direnfeld began his training in the early 90’s at the Anxiety Disorders Unit at the former Clarke Institute of Psychiatry. He earned his doctorate at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and completed his residency training at the Anxiety Disorders Clinic and Health Psychology Clinic at the University of British Columbia Hospital. He held a staff psychologist position at the Anxiety Disorders Unit at McMaster University Medical Centre, as well as faculty position in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences. Dr. Direnfeld is committed to using CBT and evidenced-based treatments when working with adults and adolescents.