Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Kingston, Ontario, Canada

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

CBT is the most researched model of psychotherapy. CBT works on the understanding that, in any given situation, we respond based upon how we interpret what is going on, what this may remind us of, and what this says about us as people, other people, the world around us, and our future. Of course, our past experiences influence how we see new situations, how we feel about them, and what we do about them. The main problem is that we may sometimes misinterpret the situation and react in ways that may increase our anxiety, our depression, our confusion, and our negative view on things.

What happens in a CBT session?

CBT treatment usually involves working together to change unhelpful thinking patterns. There are different ways to do that, including:

• Learning to recognize the distortions in your thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
• Gaining a better understanding of the behaviour and motivation of others.
• Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
• Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in your own abilities.

What is CBT treatment?

CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioural patterns. These strategies might include:

• Facing your fears instead of avoiding them.
• Using role-playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
• Learning to calm your mind and relax your body.

So, when we first meet, we will start by reviewing the ‘problem’ and some history, and then I will introduce you to the process by showing you examples of how CBT works. In each subsequent CBT session, we will take a good look at how you are doing, and unpack a recent situation that has caused you discomfort or pain. Like detectives, we will review the “who, what, when and where”; the thoughts that may have occurred to you in the ‘blink of an eye’; and how you reacted.