Dr. Carter’s Therapeutic Approach

I find that treatment works best when we develop a collaborative relationship to work together toward your goals. I see my role as being supportive and non-judgmental while offering expert guidance. My primary therapeutic model is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I received specialized training in CBT at my clinical graduate program at the University of Georgia and my post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. At both of these places, CBT is the predominant treatment model. CBT is a widely used form of treatment that offers specific strategies for various problems. I prefer to use CBT treatments because they have the following features:

• Straightforward and solution focused
• Individualized to the unique needs of each client
• Validated by research studies for many types of problems
• Relatively brief (12 – 20 sessions)
• Develop lasting skills to manage situations in the future

In addition to CBT, I utilize therapeutic techniques from motivational interviewing (for building motivation) and positive psychology (e.g., optimism) when appropriate.