COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is practiced in Kitchener-Waterloo, Milton, Oakville, London and the surrounding areas. Anchoridge Counselling takes pride in the therapy practice offered to help clients with individual needs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of evidence-based therapies utilized by clinicians.The goal of CBT is to help identify negative thought patterns and behaviours. As a result individuals can then learn to identify and explore how one's emotions and thoughts can impact their actions. Once an individual is able to identify the negative patterns they can then develop new and effective coping strategies. CBT can also help individuals figure out what they want most from life and move towards achieving their vision in a healthy and positive manner.

Man thinking in a therapy session. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in London Ontario

The idea behind CBT is that an individual's thoughts, emotions, and actions are intertwined and have influence over one another, impacting behaviour. There are three main core concepts of CBT. The first core concept states that psychological issues are partly based on unhelpful ways of thinking. The second concept is that psychological issues are partly based on learned patterns of behaviours. The last core concept is that individuals experiencing psychological problems can learn more effective ways of coping, resulting in reduced symptoms are better overall quality of life.

It focuses on talking about your problems or concerns to help you frame your thoughts differently. It works by changing an individual's attitudes and behaviours by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes that are held, and how these processes relate to the way a person behaves, as a way of dealing with emotional problems. This is referred to as a "vicious circle" of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

CBT utilizes several different techniques including SMART goals, journaling, cognitive restructuring, and many more. Homework is often utilized through CBT by many clinicians. The homework given can vary depending on the focus of treatment and circumstances but the purpose is to help individuals become dedicated to the treatment and take steps towards change. Homework that may be given to a client with depression could be attending a social gathering and utilizing the coping skills being learned through CBT when and if necessary.

Research has shown that CBT leads to significant improvements in functioning and quality of life. CBT is used to work through a wide range of issues in a person's life, from sleeping difficulties or relationship problems to drug and alcohol abuse, or anxiety and depression. Additionally, CBT has been found to be an effective form of treatment for grief, stress management, and low self-esteem.

Three notebooks stacked. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Oakville Ontario

CBT’s aim is to essentially transform one’s way of thinking and behaviours that act as negative barriers. The emphasis is placed on identifying, challenging, and changing how situations are viewed, understood, and reacted to. For an individual to get the most effective form of CBT, it is important to have a strong positive therapeutic relationship with a clinician. Finding a clinician that you feel comfortable and safe with is just as important as the counselling you receive.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can help you use logic and reason to flip the internal script with healthier, more realistic thoughts, and be in better control of them instead of allowing your thoughts to control you