What’s CBT?

Perhaps you find yourself frequently ruminating on past events or having imaginary arguments with your former partner, family members, or work colleagues. Maybe you experience the same negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough” over and over again. Or maybe you’re always awaiting some looming disaster that you’re positive will happen… and when it doesn’t, then your mind leaps to the next “certain” catastrophe. These are just a few examples of the negative thought patterns that can initiate distressing emotions like sadness, numbness, anxiety, anger, guilt, and self-loathing. In turn, these painful feelings can then contribute to unhealthy behaviours like procrastination, overreacting, avoiding others, over-eating, substance misuse, and internet addiction.

How can CBT help?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach rooted in the concept that thoughts influence emotions and behaviours - and that these emotions and behaviours then reinforce those thoughts via a positive feedback loop. According to CBT, negative thought patterns (known as “cognitive distortions”) about yourself, others, the world, and the future often underpin anxiety, depression, and similar issues. Using the CBT model, we’ll identify and challenge your negative thoughts and aspire to replace them with the ideas that you’d rather be guiding you. To clarify: CBT isn’t about what you “should” or “shouldn’t” think. It’s about learning how to take control of your own mind so you can then cultivate positive feelings like happiness, calmness, and gratitude as well as healthy behaviours like practicing self-care, connecting with others, and working productively towards your goals.

An individualized approach

Your experiences and challenges are unique to you. Therefore, we’ll collaboratively design a CBT strategy that best fits your needs. We’ll also work towards your development of the necessary skills to tackle any negative thoughts that may arise in the future. If you’re interested in CBT for chronic pain or illness, anxiety, depression, or another issue, then contact me using the form below or email me at sue@suebedfordpsychotherapy.com to book a free consultation. I’m excited to meet you!