Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves, others, and the world.

Cognitive behavioural therapists in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer aim to target and break down unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions, modify specific patterns of behaviour, and assist people in developing more functional and flexible ways of thinking.

CBT has been shown to be effective in dealing with a variety of issues including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, and substance abuse.

Techniques that are often utilized in CBT are:

• exposure therapy
• progressive muscle relaxation
• deep breathing exercises
• mindfulness
• journaling

Several adaptations to CBT include Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Success with CBT

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been successful in the therapeutic approach in the treatment of such problems as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, personality disorders, phobias and many others.

This approach uses sound techniques to slow down, eliminate, and halt an individual’s own learned reactions. This therapy works on one’s own thoughts, feelings, emotions, and projections on a subject matter and/or circumstance.

Ultimately, CBT deals with those circumstances and events that one is aware of, rather than dealing with circumstances and events relating to the unconscious. Through a sound therapeutic process, the individual receiving therapy will learn to respond differently to issues and circumstances, and will learn healthy coping mechanisms.