CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is CBT? And how does it work?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective therapy for a wide range of issues. It has been developed and refined over the last 50 years by expert scientists and clinicians. With the support of a skilled therapist, CBT can be used to improve almost any emotional issue. It is so flexible because it focuses on two things that impact all aspects of our lives: our thoughts and our behaviours. If you consider it for a moment, you will realize that there really is no emotional problem that is not somehow related to how you are thinking about your situation (cognition), and what you are doing about your situation (behaviour).

As cognitive-behavioural therapists, we will work with you to identify patterns of thinking and acting that are preventing you from resolving the emotional difficulties you face.

CBT is about making positive changes. Once you have developed a better understanding of how your thoughts and actions impact your life, we will help you identify goals for change that are meaningful to you and that have the potential to alleviate your difficulty.

Over the course of therapy, we will be with you step-by-step as you begin to implement these changes and move steadily towards achieving your psychological goals.

Whah kind of problems can CBT help me solve?

CBT can help you overcome all of the following & more

Intrusive thoughts
Worry and rumination
Social anxiety
Phobias
PTSD and trauma-related difficulties
Depression
Occupational stress
Procrastination, disorganization, and lack of motivation

Accomplishing personal goals (e.g., losing weight)
Feeling stuck
Interpersonal challenges
Esteem and confidence issues
Difficult life transitions
Emotional difficulties like guilt, shame, anger, jealousy, and fear

Choose the environment that works best for you

We are accessible from anywhere in Ontario

While we are dedicated to serving our local community in Ottawa, we are equally committed to providing expert online care to individuals in under-served regions of Ontario. If you are suffering with OCD, PTSD, ADHD, or anxiety more generally, we know that it could be difficult to find expert services outside of a large city. We are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective therapy for a wide range of issues, developed and refined over the last 50 years by expert scientists and clinicians. With the support of a skilled therapist, CBT can be used to improve almost any emotional issue. It is so flexible because it focuses on two things that impact all aspects of our lives: our thoughts and our behaviours.
How does CBT work?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is about making positive changes. As cognitive-behavioural therapists, we will work with you to identify patterns of thinking and acting that are preventing you from resolving the emotional difficulties you face.

Once you have developed a better understanding of how your thoughts and actions impact your life, we will help you identify goals for change that are meaningful to you and that have the potential to alleviate your difficulty.
What kinds of problems can CBT help me solve?

CBT can help you solve any problem as long as it is (a) psychological in nature—meaning it affects your emotions, thoughts, and actions—and (b) something you can control—for instance by solving a problem, making a decision, or changing your attitudes and behaviours. CBT cannot help you change something outside of your control—it cannot cure a medical disease, change the past, change other people, or predict the future—but it can help you change your thoughts and feelings towards the problem, and help you change ways of coping that might be making the problem worse.
How long does CBT take?

There is no size-fits-all. The length of CBT depends on several factors: the reason for consultation, the client’s goals and needs, the knowledge and skill of the therapist, and the client’s willingness to make changes in their lives. Research shows that just 8-12 sessions of CBT can significantly alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder. Sometimes, clients are satisfied with their progress in just 3-5 sessions; other times a course of CBT can last considerably longer. The best time to discuss the course and schedule of therapy is after your therapist has completed an assessment and has shared with you a therapy plan.
How does CBT improve anxiety?

CBT improves anxiety by (a) providing you with knowledge and strategies to help you regulate anxiety, (b) helping you develop new perspectives of the things you fear, and (c) helping you let go of avoidance and other safety behaviours so that you can live your life more fully and with a greater sense of confidence and security.

CBT