What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most used psychological therapies CBT is a well-researched treatment that encompasses a range of therapeutic techniques. The goal of CBT is to change unhelpful behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.
Engaging in CBT can help with anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, eating disorders, insomnia, and many other mental health issues. Working with a CBT
therapist, you will learn new ways of thinking and behaving. CBT’s theoretical model is based on the following assumptions:
- Cognitive distortions, or negative thinking patterns, cause mental health problems.
- Core beliefs, often formed in childhood, are deeply rooted learned patterns of thinking that influence how we see ourselves, others, and our worldview. These core beliefs impact the many thoughts we have during the day, referred to as automatic thoughts. If we have many negative core beliefs, then we may engage in chronic negative thinking. For instance, a core belief of, “I am a bad person”, then we may have automatic thoughts of “My partner doesn’t love me” or “I don’t deserve to be happy”. Automatic thoughts can be thoughts, images, or physical sensations.
- When an event occurs, our brain automatically attributes meaning to this event, leading to certain emotions. Because our interpretations can be false or biased, we may engage in habitual negative thinking patterns and this can lead to anxiety, depression, anger, and many other disturbing feelings. For example, you may have the thought, “Everything is hopeless. Nothing will ever change” and subsequently feel depressed and hopeless.
- Individuals engaging in CBT can learn new ways of thinking and behaving to improve their functioning.
CBT Theory
CBT theory is grounded in how our thinking and behavioral patterns are learned over time, starting from childhood experiences. Precipitating events trigger our minds to react in predictable ways, which can be troublesome. CBT teaches us healthier ways to respond and react to events, leading to a more fulfilling and empowering life.
CBT Theory
Life Events Events during childhood, adolescence and adulthood are internalized and form the mental foundation through which we view our internal and external world
Core Beliefs
Our perception of life events forms our core beliefs about how we see ourselves, others, the world and our future
Automatic Reactions
When triggered by certain events, our minds have learned to respond with automatic thoughts, interpretations, memories, images, and sensations
Emotional and Behavioural Response
Our automatic reactions lead to our emotional and behavioral responses (eg sadness and procrastination or anxiety and avoidance)
CBT Treatment
Working with a CBT therapist you will learn new ways of thinking and behaving to improve your functioining and outlook on life. Both online and in person CBT have been shown to be effective to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, eating issues and insomnia.
CBT Techniques
CBT treatment encompasses a variety of techniques, depending on the psychological problem.
Strategies include:
- Learning supportive information to help you understand your psychological
- problem
- Identifying and changing negative thinking patterns
- Gaining insight into why we act in certain ways
- Developing helpful coping skills that you can use outside of therapy sessions
- Reducing maladaptive behaviors and engaging in adaptive behaviors
- Exposing an individual to feared events in a systematic manner, leading to a reduction in overall fear over time
- Improving self-confidence and self-esteem through lifestyle and interpersonal change
- Using homework and self-guided tasks to solidify learning and new habits
What issues does online CBT treat?
CBT can be easily tailored for online counseling. This therapy is one of the most accommodating for a virtual environment. A CBT therapist can adjust most all techniques so that you can receive CBT treatment via video-conferencing. Online CBT has been used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia, demonstrating the same level of effectiveness as in-person CBT. Any handouts or worksheets that you would normally be provided can be easily transmitted online.
Are you looking for an online CBT therapist?
Cheryl Turner has years of clinical experience using CBT to help individuals overcome their psychological difficulties. She has used CBT to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, eating issues, and insomnia. She offers online CBT in her virtual practice. If you are interested in starting online CBT, please reach out to schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about how this therapy can help you.
How to get started
The best place to start is by speaking to Cheryl to discuss anxiety treatment options, answer any questions about the process, and schedule a confidential appointment. Follow these simple steps:
Text today at 250-307-0679 or e-mail me for a free consultation
Or, you can book directly through email Cheryl
Begin your journey towards a fulfilling and healthier life
Cheryl offers both in-person and teletherapy for online anxiety treatment for residents of Alberta and BC. Her private practice is located at 4415 – 29th Street, Vernon BC.