Working with other care
CFDT builds the regulation and cognitive resources that help clients engage with the rest of their care.
In short
CFDT is designed to work with other care, not replace it. By improving nervous system regulation and cognitive function, it can help clients take part more fully in approaches such as CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based therapy. It can come first, run alongside, or follow other treatment, depending on the client.
Key terms
Dysregulation is a breakdown in regulating a function such as emotion or attention. It can show up as impulsivity, distractibility or trouble managing emotions.
A disorder is a set of symptoms that meets diagnostic criteria, such as ADHD or generalized anxiety disorder.
CFDT targets the underlying regulation, so it can help people with or without a formal diagnosis.
Sequencing
01
Psychiatry first, if medication is warranted. Medication can bring regulation that makes CFDT easier to start, but it can also dampen cognition. The CFD therapist documents observations and shares them with the prescriber.
02
Decided case by case. Talk therapy is stronger for social thinking and self-narrative, but it can surface protected memories. It may come first if the client is regulated enough. Court-ordered or medical needs take priority.
03
Medical evaluation first. Doctors rule out or treat physical causes, and CFDT starts once the client is medically stable.
Roles
Prescribers manage medication, doses and side effects
Talk therapists lead on thought, learning and relationship patterns
CFD therapists focus on the neurological side of observable behavior
Everyone coordinates and shares observations
For clinics
01
Understand CFDT’s applied neuroscience approach and how it fits your setting.
02
Consider which clients may benefit, such as those with ADHD, anxiety, depression or mood disorders.
04
Build CFDT into treatment plans, track how clients respond and adjust as needed.
We can talk through how CFDT fits with the care your clients already receive.
