Anissa Bell, LMFT
Sleep Therapy
INSOMNIA & SLEEP DISORDERS
Sleep difficulty not only causes ongoing mental and physical distress, it can actually lead to the development of significant mental health disorders and adverse health conditions. Issues connected to chronic insomnia can include anxiety, depression, memory loss, poor concentration, heart disease, diabetes, stroke cancer, and Alzheimer's Disease.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Let's discuss an alternative treatment to resolve your insomnia. Whether this will be your first appointment with a professional to discuss insomnia or your current treatment provider is referring you for assessment, I encourage you to contact me for a consultation to discuss relief for the sleep struggles you are having. The primary technique I utilize is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). CBT-I is supported by scientific data and has a proven track record as an effective intervention for insomnia. This treatment is typically short-term and has long-lasting results.
What is CBT-I?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended by the American College of Physicians as an initial (first-line) therapy for chronic insomnia. CBT-I focuses on specific behavioral interventions to eliminate some of your old habits and home environment disruptions that are feeding your sleep disorder. The goal is to quickly identify sleep needs and problematic areas, implement specific changes guided by your therapist, and monitor and track the results until sleep has significantly improved.
​
Why is this therapy different?
You may have talked with a therapist about your insomnia in the past, and discussed some of the underlying issues contributing to the loss of sleep (anxiety, stress, grief/loss, etc.). While emotional stressors are part of the assessment and ongoing plan, this is not the primary focus for this type of help. CBT-I is much more behaviorally driven, with a specific agenda each week of expectations and anticipated results. By immediately targeting the problematic sleep patterns, unhelpful behaviors, and negative beliefs about sleep, results tend to be tangible and significant.
​
How long will it take?
While every person is different, the average length of time to complete this treatment will be 6-10 weeks. Please keep in mind that your specific plan may require more or less than 6-10 weeks. This doesn't mean you won't see improvement before the end of your treatment! A key component in the success is you! If you are willing to actively participate and follow the plan, we can likely make positive changes. You have been suffering for a long time! Let's work together so you have the opportunity for a significant improvement in your quality of life.
