Cognitive & Behavioral Techniques 


Experience evidence-based interventions designed to reshape thought patterns and behaviors. Explore how Wildflower employs transformative strategies like CBT, DBT, and ACT in Chicago, Oak Park, and Boulder, to bring about meaningful change and improved mental health.

How To Get Started With Wildflower

Request a Free Consultation

Schedule a 15-minute call online or by phone. We’ll cover key details and make sure we’re the right fit for your needs. 

Complete New Client Paperwork

Receive registration forms pre-visit. Your therapist will review details, ensuring clarity on our policies and guidelines.

Attend Your First
Therapy Session

During a 60-minute intake session, you’ll get to know your therapist better and discuss your treatment needs. 

Feeling Overwhelmed?
We’ll Help You Find Your Calm.

Everyone struggles with their mental health from time to time, and there are some challenges no one should face alone. Therapy can help you navigate these challenges with emotional clarity, resilience, and strength. 

Gaining Control of Your Thoughts, Behaviors, and Habits 

The foundation of cognitive and behavioral techniques lies in the belief that our thoughts profoundly influence our actions. At Wildflower, we’ve curated an ensemble of evidence-based approaches tailored to address diverse mental health challenges.

By diving into the relationship between cognition and behavior, our expert therapists guide clients in reshaping their mental frameworks in order to pursue their most important goals and values. Whether it’s breaking free from the chains of anxiety or navigating the waves of emotional turmoil, our techniques provide a pathway to clarity and healing.

Cognitive & Behavioral Approaches We Utilize at Wildflower 

At Wildflower, our array of cognitive and behavioral approaches serves as tools that empower individuals to develop a healthier relationship to detrimental thoughts and behaviors. From standard modalities like CBT to other specialized approaches like ACT and DBT, explore the multifaceted techniques we incorporate to guide our clients toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

CBT is one of the most widely used and effective modalities that addresses a wide range of problems by helping you modify your thinking patterns and behavior.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy 

DBT was originally developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD, and is an evidence-based therapy that combines cognitive behavioral approaches with mindfulness to address mood and anxiety problems, difficulties in relationships, and personality disturbances.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

ACT teaches a variety of highly practical skills, including mindfulness, to help you live and act in accordance with your personal values and vision for your life, and become more psychologically flexible in the process.

Exposure and Response Prevention 

ERP is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches individuals to gradually confront their fears. It is extremely effective for anxiety disorders.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy 

MBCT is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices to overcome and prevent depression, anxiety, and a broad range of other negative emotional experiences.

Motivational Interviewing 

Motivational interviewing is an approach that will help you increase your ability to take meaningful action in service of your goals by clearing away any sense of indecision or confusion.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure is a highly effective, evidence-based protocol designed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Solution-Focused Therapy 

This is a brief form of therapy that places emphasis on discussing concrete solutions to specific problems.

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy  

RO-DBT is an evidence-based treatment designed to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, and help people who are struggling with perfectionism, rigidity, internalizing emotions, and excessive self-control.

Flourish With Wildflower:
Discover. Heal. Grow. 

Dive into a transformative therapy experience with Wildflower. Uncover hidden strengths, embrace emotional growth and journey toward a renewed sense of self. 

Core Tenets of Wildflower’s
Clinical Philosophy


Deeply Relational &
Personalized Therapy 

We recognize that you are the expert on your life. Therapy at Wildflower is a collaborative journey. Our caring, affirming therapists tailor sessions to your unique needs and experiences, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for growth.

Commitment to
Excellence & Learning

Every client deserves the best of our clinical skills and knowledge. Our team is a community of professionals who not only uphold shared values and clinical excellence but also engage in regular training and consultation to stay at the forefront of therapeutic practices.

Stigma-Free View on
Mental Health 

Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, deserving of attention without any stigma or judgment. Everyone faces challenges, and seeking help is a sign of resilience and strength. Every person’s mental health journey is valid, and we aim to support that with the utmost respect.

Advocates of Social
Justice & Inclusivity 

We recognize that no one exists in a vacuum. Complex systems of oppression and privilege shape individuals’ lives. We believe that as mental health professionals, we have an obligation to promote social justice and contribute to a world that celebrates every person’s inherent worth. 

Frequently Asked Questions


Cognitive and behavioral approaches represent a large and diverse family of research-backed modalities that are based in the theory that unhelpful thinking patterns and behavior are the root cause of problems. These methods focus on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Some approaches help individuals identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that contribute to their emotional distress while other approaches emphasize the importance of acceptance of things that are beyond one’s control. All cognitive and behavioral approaches aim to create positive behavioral changes that ultimately improve overall mental health.

While some therapies emphasize delving deep into past experiences, cognitive and behavioral techniques prioritize current thinking and behaviors and devising strategic pathways for change. This focus on the “here and now” makes them highly practical and action-oriented. The emphasis is on equipping individuals with tools and strategies to manage and transform their present challenges.

Individuals with conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, and PTSD often find these methods especially effective. They provide clear strategies and techniques, making them suitable for those seeking structured guidance. These approaches are also versatile, allowing therapists to tailor them to each individual’s unique needs and challenges.

While the duration of treatment can vary based on individual needs, many of these therapies are known for being shorter and goal-oriented. This results-oriented nature often leads to observable progress in fewer sessions compared to some other therapies. However, it’s essential to understand that the number of sessions will largely depend on the individual’s specific concerns and the complexity of their challenges.

Yes, cognitive and behavioral approaches are among the most extensively researched and validated therapy methods. Numerous studies have demonstrated their efficacy across a wide range of psychological disorders. The structured, evidence-based nature of these methods has contributed to their widespread recognition and endorsement in the therapeutic community.

Our Clients’ Growth Stories

Blooming Insights:
The Latest from the Wildflower Blog 

We believe that knowledge and learning are key aspects of helping you to grow and thrive on your mental health journey. Stay updated with our latest articles on emotional well-being, perinatal mental health, sexuality, and more on our blog. 

Blossom Into Your Best Self with Wildflower


Work with Wildflower to cultivate emotional strength and clarity. With expert support and a deeply personal touch, let’s nurture your growth and well-being. Ready to bloom? We’re here to guide you.