Dr. Eve Fontaine’s Approach

Dr. Eve Fontaine’s Approach

When treating children and teens with anxiety, I use a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach called Coping Cat. There has been considerable research conducted on this therapeutic approach, and it has been found to be highly effective in reducing anxiety and alleviating children and teen’s emotional distress.

CBT Therapy is divided into three phases. Below you will find a description of this therapy approach. While this is a standard, research-based therapy model, I am able to personalize it for each child and teen.

I recognize that most children and teens struggling with anxiety may also feel nervous about entering therapy, so I approach each child and teen in a non-threatening, gentle way. I begin counseling by getting to know each child or teen and his/her family to customize the treatment approach as much as possible.

Phase 1: Teaching Children/Teens how to Examine their Thoughts & Relaxation Skills Training

In the first phase, I teach children/teens a plan for coping with their anxiety. Through the use of the "FEAR" plan, they learn how to recognize signs of their anxiety, how to identify their worried thoughts, and how to gather evidence against those worries. They learn how to change the way they are thinking about the situation in order to change the way they are feeling (i.e., lower their anxiety). They also learn other helpful strategies, such as relaxation and problem-solving skills.

Phase 2: Skills Application with Therapist’s Support and Coping Skills Coaching

Once they have mastered the FEAR plan skills, they are ready to begin the second phase of treatment, called the exposure phase. This phase involves applying their FEAR plan skills to situations/worries that provoke their anxiety. Usually, when people are anxious about something, they tend to avoid it. Although it may help them in the moment, avoidance ultimately strengthens anxiety in the long-run. Therefore, it is important for anxious people to learn how to apply coping skills while approaching the feared situation/worries.

The core principle of exposures is this: the more often you face your situation/worry and work through your anxiety, the easier it gets, and the less anxious you become. For example, Michael is a 10 year-old boy who is afraid of ordering his own food in a restaurant. Therefore, accomplishing this task becomes one of his therapy goals. Michael will learn how to develop his own plan for coping with the anxiety he feels while ordering food in a restaurant. Then he will go out and do it. The more often Michael orders his own food at restaurants, the easier it will get and the more comfortable he will become. Once Michael has conquered this fear, then he would be ready to tackle another one.

Phase 3: Maintenance Plan

Once a child or teen’s overall anxiety has significantly improved, he/she enters the final phase of treatment, called the maintenance phase. In this last phase, the client attends therapy less frequently. The purpose of these "booster" sessions is to help maintain treatment gains.

As a result of CBT therapy, children and teens not only usually feel better, but they also get better at understanding what triggers their own anxiety and better able to turn these negative thoughts around. By engaging in counseling using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Children and Teens will have the additional benefit of developing their problem-solving and coping skills, giving them more self -confidence and ability to cope and adapt in the future.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT/PARENT SUPPORT/FAMILY THERAPY

While treating children/teens for anxiety, I believe it is essential to involve parents in the process. It is important for parents to understand what they can do to help cultivate their child’s new skills. Parenting is a tough job in general, but parenting an anxious child brings extra challenges. Parents often tell me they are unsure of what to say or do in response to their child’s anxiety. They want to reassure their child and protect him/her from distress, but are often afraid that doing so could make the anxiety worse. Thus, I feel that parent training and parental support are essential components of the treatment process. I help parents manage their own anxiety and learn appropriate ways to respond to their children and teens’ fears, anxiety and stress

BENEFIT of TREATMENT:

By using the coping skills learned in this treatment, most children and teens become better at understanding what triggers their anxiety and improving their ability to manage this anxiety successfully. These coping skills also may contribute to increased self-confidence, decreased family stress, and an overall improvement in functioning at school, home, and with peers.

Organizational Skills Training for Children and Teens:

Is your child messy and disorganized? Does he/she have problems keeping track of homework or other materials? Does your child seem to have difficulties planning ahead for things (e.g., school project, a sleepover/playdate)? Does it seem like your child is always running behind schedule or getting things done at the last minute?
If you feel like your child’s problems with disorganization, time management, and planning are causing problems or conflict at home, school, or in their social lives, then your child may benefit from participating in organizational skills training.

Dr. Fontaine has spent the past 3 years helping children improve their organizational skills while working at the Duke Child and Family Study Center. She has developed an effective approach for improving organizational skills in children and teenagers. This approach involves coaching the child/teen in developing effective organizational, planning, and time management skills. Dr. Fontaine also involves parents in this program, coaching them on how to best facilitate their child’s use of these skills.
Through this skills training, your child will learn specific strategies to better manage time, plan for important projects or events, and to keep track of homework and other school materials. While your child is learning these skills, you will learn the best ways to increase the likelihood of your child applying these skills in their daily lives.

This program is tailored to the unique needs of your child. It is available in an individual or group format. The following topics are addressed:

• What Causes Problems with Disorganization, Planning, and Time Management
• Identifying Your Child’s Priorities & Goals
• Keeping Belongings Organized at Home
• Keeping Track of Assignments
• Using a Calendar/Planner
• Planning for Projects/Events
• Overcoming Perfectionism (if applicable to your child)
• Allocating Time Appropriately
• Juggling School Work with Other Activities
• Encouraging, Prompting, and Rewarding Your Child’s Use of Skills
• Maintaining Your Child’s Success
  

Improving your child’s organizational, time management, and planning skills may help your child be more successful at school, and to feel less stressed overall. More effective organizational skills may also reduce conflict or tension among family members at home.

To learn more about this treatment, please contact Dr. Fontaine at (919) 428-2766, x3 or eve@orensteinsolutions.com

Therapy Services for College Students and other Adults:

Dr. Fontaine provides individual therapy to College Students and other Adults, using a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. She has expertise in working with adults affected by anxiety, OCD, depression, and ADD/ADHD. She also works with individuals affected by an acute or chronic illness, and adults who are having difficulties adjusting to a stressor in their lives (e.g., college, death of a loved one, a relationship ending).

Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy:

As a result of CBT therapy, my clients (children, teens and adults) often experience the following benefits:

• Alleviation of Anxiety and Distress
• Improved Mood
• Increased Understanding of situations that triggers their anxiety, stress, or depressed mood
• Ability to identify their own negative thought patterns
• Ability to replace negative thoughts with constructive thoughts
• Development of Relaxation Skills
• Increased Problem-Solving Abilities
• Improved Self-Confidence and Self-Reliance
• Increased Ability for Self-Control