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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based psychological therapies that have been extensively researched and shown to be effective for a wide range of emotional and interpersonal difficulties. I integrate different approaches depending on each person’s needs, goals, and life experiences, creating a collaborative and personalized process.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely studied forms of psychotherapy and has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for anxiety disorders, depression, stress-related difficulties, and many other concerns. CBT helps clients understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and identify patterns that may contribute to distress, such as perfectionism, self-criticism, overthinking, or catastrophizing. Together, we work on developing more balanced perspectives, practical coping strategies, and healthier ways of responding to challenges, while fostering greater self-compassion and self-acceptance.

When helpful, I integrate elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that has been shown to support people experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, emotional difficulties, and challenges related to avoidance or feeling stuck. ACT focuses on developing psychological flexibility: learning to make space for difficult thoughts and emotions, relating to them in new ways, practicing mindfulness, clarifying personal values, and taking meaningful steps toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

For clients who experience intense emotions, emotional sensitivity, or difficulties managing strong reactions, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training. DBT is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for complex emotional regulation difficulties and has demonstrated effectiveness for problems such as emotion dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, self-destructive coping patterns, and challenges associated with borderline personality disorder. DBT skills, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, provide practical tools for navigating difficult emotions and relationships with greater balance and awareness.

I also draw from constructivist and attachment-informed perspectives, which emphasize how our personal histories, early relationships, and experiences shape the ways we understand ourselves and connect with others. Exploring attachment patterns and interpersonal schemas can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with recurring relationship difficulties, low self-worth, difficulties with trust or vulnerability, or patterns that continue to repeat despite conscious efforts to change. This work supports deeper self-understanding, self-compassion, and the development of healthier ways of relating to oneself and others.

Ultimately, therapy is a collaborative process tailored to each individual. By combining evidence-based approaches with attention to each person’s unique story, my goal is to help clients better understand themselves, develop effective coping strategies, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful and lasting change.

© 2025 by Lucia Tecuta, Ph.D. Proudly created by Wix.com

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