Patricia I. Moreno, PhD

CLINICAL ORIENTATION

My theoretical orientation is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I aim to collaboratively create a treatment plan and implement interventions flexibly to build self-efficacy and a shared understanding of presenting problems. In the application of CBT and ACT interventions, I strive to balance the need for both change and acceptance consistent with each client’s treatment plan to address acute needs and longer-term goals. I primarily apply CBT techniques to target distressing and impairing symptoms and employ ACT principles to identify values, explore issues around meaning, and achieve greater overall psychological wellbeing. Finally, I have a deep appreciation for the importance of the therapeutic alliance and emphasize respect, empathy, and honoring strengths in the application of any evidence-based treatment.

Diverse Populations

It is my belief that multicultural competence involves allowing each individual to define his or her own unique and shared cultural identities while also recognizing myself as a cultural being whose presence influences each psychotherapeutic encounter. My goal is to identify and utilize strengths associated with each client’s unique multicultural background and address any related challenges in the application of individually-tailored interventions.

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I currently see a limited number of English- and Spanish-speaking patients through the Supportive Oncology Program at the Northwestern University Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. I also co-facilitate the Living Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer support group.