Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that addresses the interactions between how we think, feel and behave. CBT helps people to identify negative cognitive patterns or thoughts, and how they effect emotions and behaviours. CBT is a process of teaching, coaching, and reinforcing positive behaviours.
The development and use of CBT have been closely guided by research. Carefully designed research has led international experts to identify CBT as the current “treatment of choice”. Evidence now supports the effectiveness of CBT for many common mental health concerns including:
- Improving overall mood and decreasing anxiety
- Improving a “negative” temperament
- Resolving problems with eating
- Overcoming substance abuse
- Relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
CBT focuses on current problems. It is goal-oriented, brief, and structured. CBT techniques are taught during individual therapy sessions with you and/or your child and then practiced during the week between sessions. The process of using CBT strategies involves:
- Targeting problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours
- Understanding the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviours
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Stopping problematic thoughts or worries
- Rehearsing more positive ways of coping
- Practicing more adaptive behaviours
If your child, teen or family could use counselling, please call for your free 10-minute consultation at 604-787-7258.
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Janice Ebenstiner, MA, CCS, BCRPT