Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviour and how this impacts our mood. Often when we are depressed or anxious, our thoughts about situations can become distorted. This can increase our anxiety or worsen our depression.

Through CBT, we can become aware of the automatic thoughts we have that affect the way we feel and behave. By paying attention to our self talk, we are then able to evaluate our thoughts for accuracy and learn techniques to challenge them. The idea is, if our thoughts are more accurate our mood will improve. An important part of CBT is getting to the root of those thoughts and to learn what is anchoring our thinking. This enables us to look at core beliefs we have about ourselves and challenge them. It is these changes that lead to the biggest shift in the way we feel about ourselves and our mood.

Homework is an important part of CBT as it allows us to apply what has been learned in session and to practice the new skills we are trying to develop. A therapist can teach the concepts of CBT and help to problem solve when a person gets stuck. It is challenging to change our thinking and it requires awareness, patience, practice and feedback.