Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Understanding the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based approach to counseling that focuses on the relationship between the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we respond to situations. Sometimes, patterns of thinking or behavior can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or discouraged. CBT can help you recognize these patterns and develop healthier, more helpful ways of responding.
CBT can give you a better understanding of why you may be feeling or responding the way you do and, importantly, help you discover that you have choices in how you respond. CBT can be used on its own or incorporated into a broader, individualized counseling approach based on your needs and goals.
The goal of CBT is not to simply “think positively” or to make everything “rainbows, butterflies, and ponies” as I like to say. Instead, it helps you better understand deeper rooted beliefs and meaning that may be contributing to emotional distress and learn skills for responding to them in a more balanced and effective way.
What Can CBT Help With?
CBT is commonly used to help people experiencing a variety of concerns, including:
Anxiety and excessive worry
Depression and low mood
Panic and fear
Stress and overwhelm
Low self-esteem
Anger and emotional regulation
Grief and adjustment difficulties
Some trauma-related symptoms
Relationship and communication difficulties
Unhelpful habits or avoidance patterns
Perfectionism and people-pleasing
During our initial session together, I can help determine whether CBT is a good fit for your specific needs & goals.
What to Expect in Session?
CBT is collaborative and practical. In counseling, we may look at situations that are causing distress and explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connected to them. Together, we can identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop healthier ways of responding.
Depending on your goals, sessions may include identifying unhelpful thought patterns, challenging beliefs that no longer serve you, practicing new coping skills, exploring behaviors that reinforce anxiety or avoidance, and finding more balanced ways of responding to difficult situations.
In session, we may explore patterns such as:
Negative or self-critical thinking
Worrying or anticipating the worst
Feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns
Avoiding situations that create anxiety or discomfort
Difficulty managing strong emotions
Behaviors that may provide short-term relief but create longer-term difficulties
By becoming more aware of these patterns, you can begin making intentional changes that support your emotional well-being and your goals.