“Therapy on Steroids!,” is how Dr. David Burns describes TEAM-CBT.
Skillfully weaving the most effective parts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with ideas from other schools of therapy, this process has a way of zeroing in on what’s getting in the way of lasting change, clarifying goals and applying powerful methods to turn things around.
TEAM is an acronym for Testing, Empathy, Agenda-Setting, and Methods. Also known as TEAM-CBT, it was developed by Dr. David Burns, author of ‘Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy’ who refers to it as “the advanced calculus of psychotherapy.”
T = Testing
What would it be like to go to a medical doctor who never ran tests, did lab work or took your blood pressure?!
Historically, therapists have relied on educated guesses and intuition to determine if therapy is progressing and to what degree our clients feel satisfied with sessions. In retrospect, this approach may have boosted ego’s but did little to help people get better. It’s clear now the importance of getting real data on how you’re feeling before every session and your experience of our time together after each meeting to ensure we’re on the right track and moving in the right direction. Testing is about making sure you’re getting the results you’re looking for. That said, before each session, we will be filling out a survey on your current mood and then evaluating your experience of our time together after we meet. This helps us keep track of your progress, how you’re feeling and your experience of our work together.
E = Empathy
It is important you feel heard, respected and understood. Having the time and space to share your thoughts and feelings while being treated with warmth and care is a necessary ingredient for all successful therapy. Getting support and talking things through does help us feel better, but for sustained positive change, more is required.
A = Agenda-Setting
Getting clarity and specificity on the kind of help you’re looking for is critical in ensuring you get the results you want. In this phase, we will work collaboratively to help you develop a game plan, identify obstacles to change and activate motivation to overcome blocks.
M = Methods
With a clear agenda built on a foundation of trust, we can begin a Recovery Circle using a wide range of various methods. You can learn more about the tools I offer on the Methods page.