Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach based on thoughts and how they relate/influence behaviours. For example, when a person has depression, their perceptions and interpretations become distorted.
A distorted view can make someone more susceptible to:
- a negative mindset
- jumping to conclusions
- mistakenly seeing situations as catastrophic
- seeing things as either good or bad with nothing in between
CBT in Toronto helps you gain awareness of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way. It is a structured and time-limited practice that teaches you strategies and tools. CBT focuses on the here-and-now instead of the past, emphasizing what is going on in your current life rather than what has led up to your difficulties. Scientific research shows that CBT is particularly helpful for those struggling with anxiety and depression but not limited to other concerns such as addiction, schizophrenia, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Thoughts: What we think affects how we feel and act -> Feelings: How we feel affects what we think and do -> Behaviour: What we do affects how we think and feel
Cognitive behavioural therapy, via awareness of thoughts during upsetting situations, assists people to learn that how they think can contribute to emotional problems. Through CBT, you can:
- distinguish distortions in your thoughts
- view thoughts as suggestions rather than reality
- observe thoughts to contemplate situations from various angles
You may feel emotionally uncomfortable or fatigued at times as CBT can cause you to explore painful feelings, emotions, and experiences. Some forms of CBT, such as exposure therapy, may require you to confront situations you’d rather avoid — such as reptiles if you have a fear of snakes. This can lead to temporary distress or anxiety. However, working with a skilled therapist will minimize risks. The coping skills you learn can help you manage your fears by identifying, challenge, and replace distorted thoughts with rational ones.
How can CBT therapy help you?
CBT therapy can help you:
- challenge thoughts and comparing them to reality
- decrease distress
- learn new skills
- solve problems in a constructive way
- reduce stress
- feel more in control of your emotions
- reduce the risk of a negative mood
Have any questions or want to learn more? Contact me today to see if CBT therapy is right for you!