Task-Centered Therapy in New York
Goal-focused support for meaningful change.
Life often demands practical solutions—especially when you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Task-Centered Therapy (TCT) offers a focused, collaborative approach designed to help you make real progress on the challenges that matter most to you. It’s not about rushing through your pain—it’s about creating momentum, one meaningful task at a time.
I offer task-centered therapy for adults across New York, including Buffalo and surrounding areas. With clarity, structure, and warmth, we’ll work together to define goals that feel both manageable and meaningful—then take steady, achievable steps toward them.
What is task-centered therapy?
Task-Centered Therapy (TCT) is a short-term, evidence-informed model that emphasizes active problem-solving. It emerged from social work and is rooted in the belief that when people define their own goals and break them down into actionable steps, they become more empowered, resilient, and capable.
Unlike more open-ended models, TCT provides a framework: identify a concern, set a goal, and collaboratively develop tasks that move you toward that goal. These tasks are specific, time-limited, and adapted to your needs and values. Throughout the process, we track progress, troubleshoot barriers, and build confidence.
TCT is flexible—it can be used on its own or integrated into longer-term therapy. For some, it offers a focused way to tackle a specific challenge; for others, it becomes part of a broader healing process.
Why choose task-centered therapy in New York?
New Yorkers often carry a unique blend of determination and pressure—striving toward meaningful goals while juggling competing demands. In this fast-paced, complex environment, having a focused therapeutic approach can be grounding.
Whether you’re managing stress, navigating a life transition, working through interpersonal conflict, or addressing workplace burnout, TCT offers an empowering structure for forward motion. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start—you just need a willingness to engage.
Task-centered therapy is especially helpful for adults who appreciate clarity, direction, and momentum. It respects your autonomy while providing concrete support. In a place like New York, where time and energy are precious, this model offers an efficient path to real, lasting change.
How does task-centered therapy work?
Identify the concern: We begin by collaboratively defining the specific issue you’d like to address—something tangible, meaningful, and manageable.
Set goals: Together, we shape that concern into clear, achievable goals rooted in your values and priorities.
Design tasks: For each goal, we identify small, specific tasks you can work on between sessions—actions that feel realistic, relevant, and supportive.
Monitor progress: In each session, we review what’s working, explore obstacles, and adjust as needed. The focus is not on perfection but on learning, flexibility, and momentum.
Reflect and plan: As we near completion, we take time to review progress, celebrate successes, and prepare you to continue applying these tools independently.
TCT typically spans 6–12 sessions, but it can be adapted to meet your timeline and therapeutic goals.
Benefits of Task-Centered Therapy
✔️ Clarity and direction: Instead of staying stuck in vague overwhelm, you’ll define clear goals and develop a plan to move forward.
✔️ Empowerment: You’ll gain tools that increase confidence, decision-making, and personal agency.
✔️ Flexibility: TCT can be adapted to a wide range of issues—whether personal, relational, or work-related.
✔️ Efficiency: Especially useful for those seeking short-term support or time-limited therapy.
✔️ Integration: Can be used alongside other modalities (CBT, ACT, relational work) to enhance progress.
Task-Centered Therapy Near Buffalo & Across New York State with Andrew Wilton LCSW
My approach to TCT is rooted in partnership. I bring structure, guidance, and tools—but you bring the wisdom of your own life, and the clarity of knowing what matters most.
With nearly two decades in community-based social work and human services practice, I believe people thrive when they have space to define their own goals and are supported in building skills to reach them. Whether you're working through burnout, stress, or stuck points in your personal or professional life, we’ll work together in a way that is collaborative, warm, and action-oriented.
I offer task-centered therapy for adults across Buffalo and throughout New York via secure telehealth.
Task-Centered Therapy in New York—FAQs
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TCT is well-suited to issues like stress, relationship conflict, work burnout, transitions, decision-making, and building coping skills. It's especially helpful when you want to work toward a specific goal or resolve a particular challenge.
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It can be. TCT is often used as part of a broader integrative approach. You can use it to create momentum in one area while continuing to explore longer-term patterns in therapy.
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Not at all. The goal is learning and progress, not perfection. We expect tasks to evolve and adjust based on what works—and what doesn’t.
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Many TCT processes are designed to span 6–12 sessions, but this is flexible. We’ll tailor the timeline to fit your goals, schedule, and preferences.
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Yes—task-centered therapy translates very well to virtual sessions. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth for adults across New York.
Ready to explore task-centered therapy in New York?
Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s work together to turn insight into action—one thoughtful step at a time.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Let’s get started today.
Task-centered therapy is one of several flexible, evidence-informed approaches I offer for individuals across New York. Learn more about my integrative approach to therapy here.