What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? (CBT)

Written By: Dr. Martin Rovers, Psychologist with Capital Choice Counselling Group

Cognitive Therapy (CT), or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), is an approach to to identify and solve problems. Our CBT therapists who use this model help clients overcome their life difficulties by changing their thinking and behaviour, which has an impact on emotional responses.  Cognitive Behaviour Therapists work with patients dealing with anxiety and depression.  The main direction of CBT is to understand and change how we think about, interpret and make decisions about situations in which we experience distress, or everyday situations like depression or anxiety. This therapy helps us become more aware of our thinking, our mood and our behaviour, and tries to change these into a more functioning manner. CBT is known to be effective for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including depression,  anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, trauma, and more.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured therapy, and time limited. The focus in CBT is dealing with current issues in the here and now as opposed to past events.  The focus of therapy is an objective and structured approach to help in effectively guiding change through assessment, to intervention, and then to new behaviour and evaluation.  CBT endeavours to keep the intervention brief and help clients to learn self-help skills and independence.

Numerous studies and reviews have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for psychological problems in both children and adults.  Cognitive therapy has been found effective for teen and adult depression, self esteem issues, dealing with bullying, anxiety, better studying habits, and much more. Capital Choice Counselling Group has CBT therapists in Ottawa and our CBT therapists are professionals who provide cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT therapy, cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Capital Choice Counselling Group CBT therapists are psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists,  and counsellors. Call today to book an appointment with a therapist who practices CBT.

Click here for more information on our Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Counselling Services.