Ottawa Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
If you have been struggling with anxiety or depression, and are currently seeking treatment in Ottawa, most likely you will have come across the term “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy” or CBT. It has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, anger management, eating disorders, and chronic stress. So if you are seeking out an Ottawa cognitive therapist, what should you expect? Check out our blog to learn more about how cognitive behavioural therapy can help turn negative thoughts into positive experiences.
Counsellors Specializing in CBT
The Premise of Cognitive Therapy
The main idea of cognitive therapy is that powerful negative beliefs about the self and others cause and maintain the distress we experience. These thoughts and beliefs then shape our emotional responses and the way that we act (behaviours) that further reinforce our negative beliefs. For example, if one is experiencing anxiety about work performance, a negative thought that might occur is that “I will get fired because I am working too slow”. This thought can trigger an anxious response, which often involves feeling sweaty, having a dry mouth, rapid heart rate and rapid, shallow breathing. This can result in three typical responses: fight, flight, or freeze. If you find yourself freezing, it can further re-enforce the belief that you will get fired from being too slow on the job.
How Ottawa Cognitive Therapy Can Help
Cognitive therapists attempt to alleviate distress and change symptoms through addressing the main negative beliefs. This is accomplished first by learning to identify the negative patterns that are being caused by the negative thoughts, and learning to interrupt these patterns. This is done by either providing a substitute thought through a balanced counter belief, or learning to accept and then let go of the negative beliefs that one carries in a way that does not impact one’s behaviour.
How Does it Work?
Generally cognitive therapy is tool and homework based, meaning that it involves completing exercises outside of the therapy room. These tools often include thought records, which help to go through the process of identifying the automatic negative thoughts that stem from one’s core negative beliefs, and developing authentic balanced responses. At times, CBT is combined with relaxation techniques, which aim to further interrupt the negative patterns and manage the emotional response that is caused by the negative thoughts.
I have attended, with great interest, many Relationships Matter Seminars at St Paul University. The topics are beneficial to everyone who want a better understanding of oneself and relationships. I always come out at the end of the evening with better knowledge and good feelings. Many thanks to the speakers — great presentations!
Denise Cholette
The seminar I attended was very interesting. The host is very good speaker, he knows what he is talking about and definitely has knowledges to share. I like that it is accessible and entertaining: my boyfriend enjoyed it too, and I believed that it’s partially because of the fact it was funny and instructive.
Emilie Bout
Relationship Matters offer great speakers on a variety of related topics from online dating to being in long term intimate relationships. They are thought provoking and accessible to the lay person and for anyone with a desire to broaden their perspectives on and possibly improve the quality of their relationships. I am really happy to have discovered this series put on by Martin Rovers, an expert in the field.
Deborah Brooks
Our Ottawa Cognitive Therapy Services in Kanata, Orleans & Nepean
We have several psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists in Ottawa that have been trained in, and offer cognitive therapy. In order to book a session with one of our CBT therapists that is closest to you, you can either use the tool to the right, and put Cognitive Therapy as an expertise, or call intake at 613-425-4257. We would be happy to help you set up an appointment.
Is Cognitive Therapy right for me?
- I am looking for an approach that is skill and homework based
- I believe that right now it is my negative thought patterns that are underlying my difficulties
- I would like an approach that is goal oriented and structured
Related Areas:
Frequently Asked Questions

Addiction Counselling
Is an addiction taking over your life – or the life of someone you love? Addictions counselling from Capital Choice can help break the patterns.

Anger Management
Do you as though you have difficulty controlling your anger? Our therapists use evidence-based anger management counselling interventions to help clients regulate anger.

Anxiety Counselling
Excessive anxiety, being filled with worry & fear, can be debilitating. Our anxiety counselling services can help manage your anxiety - instead of it managing you.

Automobile Accident Chronic Pain & Trauma
Anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks & stress-related symptoms are not uncommon after a car accident. Our counsellors can help you overcome these and get back to feeling better again.

Christian Counselling
Capital Choice Christian Counselling deals with life issues from a Christian perspective using evidence-based psychological techniques. Our Ottawa Christian counsellors can help you with life’s challenges.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, anger management, eating disorders, chronic stress & more.

Depression Counselling
We can help you manage the depression that is holding you back in life. Counselling can help with the feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt and anxiety.

Eating Disorders
Eating disorder counselling can help you or someone you love explore what the causes may be, in order to experience a better quality of life.

Happiness/Positive Psychology
The pursuit of happiness is a noble goal, but happiness itself can be rather illusive. We encourage a pursuit of life contentment. Therapy can help.

Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is associated with anxiety, loss of self-confidence, low mood, tearfulness and lack of interest in what once brought pleasure. Counselling helps work through these emotions.

Sexual Abuse
Counselling can help when sexual abuse has taken place, by addressing the symptoms often experienced & bringing about desired healing in relationships with self & others.

Teen Issues
From bullying to adolescent stress and anxiety, counselling can help a teenager address many common issues and get through these challenging years with less struggles.

Trauma & PTSD
Trauma occurs when someone experiences a shock that creates lasting distress. Often PTSD can develop. PTSD counselling helps address the trauma to allow for healing & recovery.

E-Counselling
We recognize that attending appointments in person is not always possible. That’s we are pleased to offer the option of e-counselling, through our Ottawa-based counsellors.
Areas We Serve
- Kanata
- Nepean
- Orleans
- Downtown
- South Keys