Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
WG Psychology offers an array of modalities for those looking for mental health support, including cognitive behavioural therapy. Our CBT Psychologists in Toronto offer in-person sessions to address concerns and provide you with the tools to deal with difficult circumstances in your life.
CBT Key Principles:
Thoughts: CBT therapy emphasizes the role of thoughts in shaping our emotions and behaviours. Unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to distress and problematic behaviours.
Emotions: Our thoughts directly impact our emotions. Unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts can lead to unwarranted feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or shame.
Behaviours: Our behaviors influence and are influenced by our thoughts and emotions. Unhelpful thoughts and feelings can lead to problematic behaviours like avoidance, impulsivity or risk-taking, and problematic substance use.
How CBT Therapy Works:
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Also known as “automatic thoughts,” these patterns are often exaggerated and based on faulty assumptions. We aim to help clients identify these thoughts and process them with intention.
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Once identified, the therapist helps the client challenge these unhelpful thoughts by assessing their accuracy and helpfulness. This process involves examining evidence for and against the thought, considering alternative perspectives, and identifying cognitive biases (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing).
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Our CBT psychologists in Toronto teach clients practical coping strategies, such as navigating their emotions and processing a range of challenging situations. These strategies may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and behavioural activation techniques.
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We all engage in unhelpful behaviours some of the time. CBT can help you identify when your behaviours aren’t serving you in the long term and provide you with alternatives that are more helpful and fulfilling.
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Contemporary practices, such as mindfulness, are implemented in CBT therapy to teach clients how to be more aware of day-to-day difficulties they may face, and accept these moments as they come.
