Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress. By developing healthier thinking and coping strategies, CBT effectively treats issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
CBT has been scientifically validated through over 2,000 studies.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that teaches individuals to become their own therapists. Based on Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s Cognitive Model, CBT emphasizes how perception influences reactions more than the situation itself. As an evidence-based practice, CBT has been scientifically validated through over 2,000 studies, demonstrating its effectiveness for various health and mental health conditions.
In CBT, trained therapists guide clients in identifying distressing thoughts and assessing their accuracy. By becoming aware of and evaluating these thoughts, clients experience improved well-being. CBT also focuses on problem-solving, skill-building, and setting meaningful goals. Initially, therapists and clients collaborate in sessions, but therapists empower clients to independently apply these skills outside of therapy.
When applied effectively, CBT promotes lasting improvement.
Identify Negative Thoughts
Evaluate Negative Thoughts
Plan Meaningful / Enjoyable Activities
Clarify Values & Goals
Set & Break Up Goals Into Steps
Solve Problems
Make Decisions
Develop Effective Communication Skills
Increase Stress Tolerance
Improve Relaxation
Develop Mindfulness Skills
Self-Analyze & Cope On Your Own
CBT helps individuals improve their lives by teaching lifelong skills to achieve their goals.
However, the therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist is essential for effective treatment.
CBT therapists collaborate with clients to set goals and create individualized treatment plans, known as conceptualizations, which guide progress.
Therapists explain these plans and relevant techniques or interventions to clients.
Together, they work to learn and apply these skills to manage symptoms, cope with stress, and maintain progress.
We carefully hand-select and train our therapists to provide the highest level of evidence-based care for our clients.
Your wellbeing is our primary objective, so our goal is to help you reach your goal(s) as soon as possible.
We won’t keep you in treatment any longer than necessary.
* Studies show standard EMDR to produce clinically significant results in 1/4 of the time compared to standard treatment options. 50+ cases produced clinically significant results in as little as 3 days with our Total Immersion EMDR process, indicating this model produces clinically significant results in 1/24 the time as traditional therapy. Studies support our findings by indicating complicated clinical issues can be resolved with an intensive format when combined with high and low intensity physical activity (Bongaerts, et. al., 2017; Mendez, et. al, 2018).
While the BCACC recommends the average cost of Registered Clinical Counselling to be between $120-$150 per hour, many of our clinicians possess further and more advanced training than the average Registered Clinical Counsellor, and thus our rates are reflective of such training and advanced skills.
Quite possibly. It’s important to check with your insurance carrier to determine if they cover “Registered Clinical Counselling,” “Clinical Counselling,” “Counselling,” “Mental Health Counselling,” “Psychotherapy,” “Psychological Services.”
Some carriers only cover services from Psychologists, Psychiatrists, or Social Workers. Others accept Registered Clinical Counsellors (which is our designation).
We have conveniently included all insurance carriers where our services are accepted (although others who have not been included may still provide reimbursement if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors).
If you determine your carrier will accept our services in full or in part, you are required to pay in full for our services, and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
Most of our sessions are virtual aside from VIP EMDR Retreats (some of our Associates may elect to offer the occasional in-person session, so it’s important to check with them).
While offering virtual sessions nearly exclusively may seem unorthodox, during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down, Robert discovered virtual sessions were superior in many ways to in-person sessions.
Some reasons for this are: allowing clients to meet in the comfort of their home or office, allowed clients to reach a new level of authenticity by not needing to get “dressed up for the world;” and not needing to account for travel time was greatly appreciated by most of our clients who have busy schedules. Furthermore, virtual sessions require the therapist to attune much more deeply to their client, and having a therapist who is even more deeply attuned to their client, can only benefit treatment.
The number of CBT sessions varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. On average, people may benefit from 8-20 sessions, but some conditions may require more or fewer sessions. Your therapist will assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
You’ll know therapy is working when you notice positive changes, such as improved coping skills, better relationships, reduced symptoms, and increased self-awareness. Additionally, if you feel heard, supported, and confident in applying what you’ve learned outside of sessions, therapy is likely making a difference.
While therapy itself doesn’t typically have physical side effects, emotional discomfort can arise as you work through challenging issues. However, most people experience relief, growth, and improved well-being over time.
Yes, you can be on medication while undergoing CBT. In fact, combining medication and CBT can often provide the best outcomes for many mental health conditions. Your therapist and healthcare provider can collaborate to ensure the most effective treatment plan.
A therapist provides personalized support, helping you navigate emotions, develop coping strategies, and address specific challenges in a safe, confidential environment. They offer tailored guidance and feedback, whereas self-help resources provide general information that may not be as tailored to your individual needs.
It’s confusing isn’t it? Let’s bring some clarity here.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD’s) with a focus on mental health. They can formally diagnose and prescribe medications.
Psychologists are “doctors of psychology” but are not medical doctors. They have a PhD. They are allowed to diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological assessments, but cannot prescribe medications.
Psychotherapists and Clinical Counsellors are interchangeable designations where each province will have certain protected rights to use a particular designation. For example, in British Columbia, we are called either Registered Clinical Counsellors or Certified Clinical Counsellors; in Ontario the term used is Registered Psychotherapist. Counsellors/Psychotherapists (whichever term is used) generally have a MA level degree, are able to conduct psychological /counselling services but are not able to formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.
Social Workers are able to conduct counselling sessions and are governed by the College of Social Workers. They may also belong to other professional associations and conduct therapy/counselling/psychotherapy within those guidelines.
Social workers most often have a MA level degree, and like Clinical Counsellors/Psychotherapists, cannot formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.
Hope that helps!
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Dive deeper into EMDR and learn why You NEED Therapy! Hint: Robert believes we all need therapy ;)
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