Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in Calgary
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and extensively researched talk therapies for many psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, addictions, chronic pain, and low self esteem, to name but a few. Furthermore, CBT has been found to be as effective as medication alone in treating depression and certain anxiety disorders and has long lasting benefits.
Who can benefit from CBT?
Some of the issues that CBT has been shown to help people with include:
- Anger
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Persistent pain
- Post-traumatic stress
- Sleep problems
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and extensively researched talk therapies for many psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, addictions, chronic pain, and low self esteem, to name but a few. Furthermore, CBT has been found to be as effective as medication alone in treating depression and certain anxiety disorders and has long lasting benefits.
Who can benefit from CBT?
Some of the issues that CBT has been shown to help people with include:
- Anger
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Persistent pain
- Post-traumatic stress
- Sleep problems
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
What is CBT Therapy in Calgary?
Cognitive behaviour therapy is based on the premise that the way we feel is strongly influenced by how we think and how we behave. For example, if you believe that when your heart rate speeds up you are going to have a heart attack, you may then start avoiding situations where this happens, take deep breaths, or monitor your body for changes in your heart rate to prevent it from happening again. While this may work in the short-term, unfortunately, in the long run it does not, resulting in the reinforcement of those unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
CBT is a structured, goal-focused and time-limited approach where client and therapist work together to identify and understand the client’s problems in the here-and-now. CBT aims to break the negative cycle that has developed by teaching individuals to recognise their unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and cognitive distortions, develop more balanced and realistic ones (not to be confused with positive thinking), and modify any unhelpful behaviour that keeps the cycle going.
What to expect in a CBT Therapy session
Sessions are generally on a weekly or biweekly basis focusing initially on gaining a good understanding of your problem and identifying your goals. You will learn how to recognise patterns of unhelpful thinking and behaviour, how these affect how you feel, and the impact they have on your life. You will then learn skills to help you challenge your thoughts and change any behaviour that is not serving you. Other skills taught in CBT may include gradual exposure to situations in which you have difficulty, problem-solving, assertiveness, and relaxation skills (such as breathing exercises). ‘Homework’ is a part of treatment and is reviewed at the start of each session.
The skills learnt in therapy can be used for the rest of your life to help to keep symptoms of anxiety and depression away, thus preventing a recurrence in the future. Other benefits that you can gain from engaging in CBT therapy with Clear Minds in Calgary include improved emotional regulation, better coping skills and strategies, and ultimately learning how to become your own therapist.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is one of the most effective talk therapies for helping clients overcome emotional difficulties. If you would like to find out more about CBT therapy in Calgary or want to book an appointment, please contact me for a brief consultation at Clear Minds in Calgary.
