THERAPY Treatment Approaches

Dr. Kiely has extensive experience providing effective, compassionate treatment for individuals with anxiety disorders and depression. He employs the core principles of evidence based psychotherapy, and only utilizes treatment approaches that have been empirically supported and are shown to work. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Prolonged Exposure, and Mindfulness-Based approaches.

cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is Dr. Kiely’s central treatment approach. CBT is a structured, time-limited treatment intervention aimed at solving current problems, and teaching individuals skills necessary to change maladaptive thinking and behavior. CBT is the most widely used, and the most heavily researched, evidence-based practice aimed to ameliorate current symptoms and, by extension, help individuals better manage their lives, relationships, and improve overall satisfaction. Exposure and Response Prevention and Prolonged Exposure are considered to be CBT-informed treatment approaches.

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is often defined as a practice of paying attention to the present moment, deliberately, and without judgement. Mindfulness is frequently misunderstood and sometimes thought of as a treatment intervention. It is often mistakenly assumed that the application of mindfulness will lead you to a place of emotional calmness, relaxation, or to some a state of nirvana. After all, these are common goals in therapy, right? The practice of mindfulness, however, is inherently non-striving and, as such, runs counter to the notion of “treatment goals.” Instead of thinking of mindfulness as a technique, it should be thought of as a way of being. Consistent practice of mindfulness can transform one’s quality of life. We are all susceptible to being caught up in our own thoughts, our “preoccupations of mind”, to the extent we lose contact with the present moment. The cultivation of mindful awareness can help us change the relationship we have with the present, which is exactly where living occurs.

who could benefit from therapy?

Dr. Kiely is available to see adult and adolescent patients who are experiencing a wide array of mental health challenges including:

  • Depression

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • Panic Disorder and panic attacks

  • Shyness

  • Insomnia

  • Fear of public speaking

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Specific Phobia (e.g., fear of spiders)

  • Social Anxiety

Ready to schedule an appointment? Have questions about therapy? To book an appointment, please email at tomkielyphd@gmail.com, or call at (415) 938-4954, or visit the CONTACT page via the button below.