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Common Questions Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most recognized and widely practiced empirically validated therapies. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practicle approach to problem solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people's difficulties, and so change the way people feel.


Who is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and wider groups and communities. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but, can be used for other mental and physical health problems. CBT cannot remove your problems, but it can help you deal with them in a more positive way. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle.

CBT aims to help you crack this cycle by breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller parts and showing you how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel. Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past. It looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.

What are the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?


There are many benefits of therapy. One of the biggest benefits of engaging in this form of therapy is that it is very instructive. When clients understand how to counsel themselves, they can have the confidence to continue to do well and use rational self-counselling skills. CBT therapies are shorter-term. CBT therapies emphasize getting better, rather than feeling better. By correcting underlying assumptions, CBT creates long-term results since the cause of the problem is corrected. CBT is cross-cultural. It is based on universal laws of human behavior. It also focuses on the clinet's goals, rather than on attempting to impose the therapist's goals on the client. CBT is structured. CBT therapies can be researched, and examined with scientific research. CBT therapies are adaptive. The fundamental principle of CBT is that thoughts (cognitions) cause our feelings and behaviors.

CBT has been shown to be an effective way of treating depression and anxiety, as well as clients with : OCD, panic disorders, PTSD, phobias, eating disorders, insomnia, sleep problems, and problems related to alcohol. CBT is can be used to treat clients with long-term health conditions, such as IBS and CFS; helping clients to cope better with their symptoms.


What are the Goals of Therapy?

At the core of my approach to CBT, is to modify one's thoughts, beleifs, and perceptions, and to change one's usual pattern of behaving. Modifying the way in which you htink can facilitiate both emotional and behavioral change. Altering that way you act can result in cognitive and emotional change. Essentially, feeling more in control of your owm life.


Do I really Need Therapy? I can usually Handle My Problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they want their life to move in a more positive and preferred direction, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.


Why do people go to Therapy and how do I know if it is Right for Me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.


What is Therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, we discuss what's most important and relevant to you. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, the pace and frequency of therapy is determined by you and what you feel is most helpful


It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

Does your Insurance cover the Therapy Sessions, and How Does that Work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount (or cap) per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?
  • What types of counseling services does my insurance cover?
* You are still able to deduct a therapy session as a medical expense on your income taxes.


Does what we talk about in Therapy remain Confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, provincial law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* If a child under the age of 16 is being physically, emotionally or sexually abused.
* If a person has serious intent to harm him/herself or another person.
* If subpoenaed from court.

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