What is CBT?

In essence, CBT is about understanding the powerful impact our thoughts have on our emotions and behaviors. “Cognitive” refers to processes related to thinking and knowing, which are central to the therapeutic work we do at Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists. By identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns, CBT enables clients to manage emotional challenges more effectively.

Imagine, for example, that you’re walking through a busy shopping center and spot a friend coming toward you. You wave, but they pass by without acknowledging you. If your immediate thought is, “They must be upset with me,” you might feel hurt or even angry, potentially leading you to avoid inviting them to future events. But suppose instead you think, “They probably didn’t see me.” This thought likely brings a more neutral emotional response and prevents the scenario from affecting your actions negatively. At Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists, we use examples like this to illustrate how our interpretations of events, rather than the events themselves, shape our emotions and behaviors.

Why is CBT So Effective?

CBT’s effectiveness lies in its structured approach to uncovering and changing unhelpful thought patterns. Just as thoughts can influence feelings and behaviors, emotions and actions can, in turn, affect our thoughts. Recognizing these interconnected influences is a fundamental first step in the CBT journey. Our therapists at Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists work with clients to map out these relationships, helping them gain a clearer understanding of how their experiences, environment, physical sensations, and thoughts contribute to their mental health challenges.

Setting Goals for Change

Once a shared understanding of the issue is established, therapist and client work together to set specific, realistic goals. At Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists, we believe in a collaborative approach: the therapist provides expert guidance, while the client’s experiences and feedback inform each step. Together, they work toward goals that promote lasting change. Think of it as a map guiding you from your current challenges to a healthier destination. Our therapists provide the larger map, while clients use their experiences as a real-time guide.

Practicing Skills Beyond the Therapy Room

CBT is not just about what happens in therapy; it’s about equipping clients with tools they can use in everyday life. At Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists, we often assign “homework” that gives clients opportunities to practice new skills or test different perspectives between sessions. For example, a client might be asked to challenge a thought pattern they’ve identified or try a breathing exercise to reduce anxiety. These exercises help reinforce the progress made in therapy and empower clients to use CBT techniques long after their sessions end.

How Can CBT Help You?

CBT is one of the most researched and validated forms of therapy, known for its effectiveness with conditions like depression, anxiety, panic, and PTSD. At Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists, we tailor each CBT session to the client’s specific needs, ensuring that every tool and technique used supports the unique goals of each individual.

Stay tuned as we explore more CBT tools and techniques in future blog posts. To learn more about how Jenine Smith Inc. Psychologists can support your mental health journey through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, contact us today.