Therapy Groups and Educational Programs
At the Cognitive Therapy Institute we offer individual therapy for a very wide range of problems and concerns. We also offer a variety of group therapies that provide structured and proven treatment programs for panic, social anxiety & shyness, depression, and other conditions. For many people group therapy is a very effective format for treatment. Groups offer potential advantages, such as the support and motivation that comes from being with others who are working to address similar problems and concerns, and the lower cost for group as compared to individual treatment. Sometimes group therapy is used in conjunction with, or following, a course of individual therapy. We will gladly discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of group versus individual therapy during an initial assessment interview.
12-Week Group Therapies Offered
The following treatment groups are periodically offered at the Cognitive Therapy Institute. Each group uses a structured approach that has already been tested and proven to be effective. The therapist/group leader will provide education and facilitate practice in applying the fundamental cognitive-behavioral skills in your daily life. In many cases insurance will reimburse a portion of the group therapy fee.
- Social Phobia/Social Anxiety - (starts summer, 2010)
- OCD - (starts July 27th, join anytime!)
- Depression
- Panic Disorder
Depression Therapy Group
(New Group Beginning Soon)
Take this first step to regain a sense of purpose and meaning in your life!
- Learn CBT Skills for Overcoming Depression
- Use Mind Over Mood workbook by (Greenberger & Padesky)
- Receive support from others working actively to overcome depression.
- 12 weeks, Mondays 6-7:30 pm, $40/session
- Please call now if you would like to participate in this group. A preliminary, individual intake session is required.
Call (858) 450-1101
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Cognitive Therapy Support Group
An ongoing, open-ended group is offered for individuals who have learned the basic cognitive-behavioral skills and would like ongoing assistance and support in coping with everyday life situations. The group emphasizes use of the CT/CBT skills, but is more flexible and can be longer term than the 12-week group described above. The members come to know each other over time and offer emotional support and other types of assistance to one another, with the guidance of the group leader.
Community Educational Classes
We periodically offer classes on selective topics regarding improving your quality of life through use of cognitive therapy concepts and skills. You can arrange for us to speak at business, social group, religious, or other public settings. Topics include:
- Stress Management
- Assertiveness Training
- Coping with the Blues (Mild Depression)
- Overcoming the "Worry Habit"
- Managing Your Anger
- Freedom from Perfectionism
- Achieving Your Goals
Please check back with the Website occasionally for start dates for new classes or groups. You may also call and leave your name on the list of people we will contact when the next class is offered.
Therapists at CTI
 James L. Shenk, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist (CA) #PSY11550.
Certified Cognitive Therapist & Founding Fellow, Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Dr. Shenk is the Director of the Cognitive Therapy Institute. He completed a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1988, and continued on as a postdoctoral research fellow at UCLA 1988-1989. In addition to completing a full time clinical internship accredited by the American Psychological Association, he received 3 years of postdoctoral training in cognitive therapy under the mentorship of Christine Padesky, Ph.D. at the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Newport Beach. During these years he specialized in individual and group treatments for panic, social phobia, OCD, and other anxiety disorders as well as depression and personality disorders. Dr. Shenk relocated to San Diego in 1991 and began directing the Partial Hospitalization Program for Depression at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital while assuming leadership for an affiliation of licensed clinicians at the Cognitive Therapy Institute (CTI). In addition to a full time psychotherapy practice, he has taught cognitive therapy and supervised doctoral students at the California School of Professional Psychology (now in Alliant International University) since 1992 . He also makes presentations at state, national, and international conventions and has co-authored articles on cognitive therapy and other clinical issues. Dr. Shenk is one of the Founding Fellows of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT), an international organization that evaluates and certifies mental health professionals regarding competency in CT, and has provided training and supervision in Cognitive Therapy to mental health professionals around California. He currently supervises clinical services of psychological assistants at the CTI and provides therapy for a range of individual, couples, and family problems. Dr. Shenk specializes in treatment of panic disorder, social phobia, OCD, generalized anxiety, specific phobias, depression, and relationship issues.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Psychological Association, San Diego Psychological Association, Association for the Advancement of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy, Academy of Cognitive Therapy.
 Marcia K. Garceau, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA) #MFC45763
Certified Cognitive Therapist, Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Ms. Garceau has been using her skills and compassion to help improve the lives of individuals, children, couples, families, and groups for over seven years. She has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine, expanding her therapeutic expertise in areas ranging from insomnia to gastritis to a variety of other stress-related conditions. Marcia’s broad base of clinical experience includes working with diverse clients for nearly two years at the Cognitive Therapy Institute and completing a variety of internships at Kaiser Permanente, YWCA of San Diego and Mental Health Systems, Inc. She has had extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder; depression; attention deficit disorders; eating disorders; work/career-related problems; relationship difficulties; grief and loss; and life transition issues.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT); California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT); Academy of Cognitive Therapy; International Association of Cognitive Psychotherapy (IACP); International OCD Foundation.
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