cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals build insight into the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. CBT assumes we have “automatic thoughts” that lead to emotional reactions, and in turn our emotional reactions shape our behavioral choices.

This is the most commonly used treatment for depression and anxiety, as there is much evidence backing the effectiveness of CBT in reframing thoughts that lead to depressive and anxious reactions.

CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns that lead to negative feelings and behaviors. The therapist then teaches skills for reframing negative thoughts by looking at the factual evidence surrounding each negative thought pattern. This helps create a positive cascade of change on emotions and behavior.

This therapy helps clients see the interconnectedness of their experience and empowers them with practical coping skills that can be applied on a day to day basis to shift mood and behavior.

CBT focuses on current problems, as opposed to other forms of therapy that may focus on events of the past, exploring past hurts in an effort to move the individual beyond trauma.