Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Calgary: How It Can Help You Overcome Anxiety and Depression

21 Apr Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Calgary: How It Can Help You Overcome Anxiety and Depression

Introduction 

Living with anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Cognitive Behavioral  Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals manage their thoughts,  emotions, and behaviors more effectively. In Calgary, our counsellors at Still Waters Psychology share  their expertise using CBT to help patients overcome anxiety and depression, providing personalized care  tailored to each individual’s needs. This guide will explore how CBT works and why it is an effective  treatment option for mental health challenges. 

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and How Does It Work? 

• CBT Defined: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, present-focused, time specific, and goal-oriented treatment that has proven to be effective in research and clinical  settings for a wide range of mental health problems including anxiety and depression. CBT  considers the relationships between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours and treatment focuses  on changing thoughts, beliefs, or perceptions that lead to the emotional and behavioural problems  an individual is experiencing. g on how it helps patients identify and change negative thought  patterns and behaviors. 
• Proven Effectiveness: There have been a number of different studies demonstrating the  effectiveness of CBT for anxiety, depression and many other disorders. CBT has been proven to  be as effective as other treatments for mental health problems including medication. 
• Goal-Oriented Therapy: Because CBT is a behaviour-focused intervention, treatment is focused  on behavioural goals (how you would like to be acting differently). Rather than focusing on past  experiences, CBT considers present problems and how they may be impacting mental health.  

How CBT Helps with Anxiety 

• Identifying Triggers: CBT helps individuals to recognize what thoughts, experiences and  feelings trigger their anxiety. This may be done by keeping a daily log of anxiety levels and  recording experiences throughout the day.  
• Challenging Negative Thoughts: Your therapist will help you identify irrational or negative  thoughts that are impacting your feelings and behaviour and provide you with strategies to  reframe your thoughts so that you can feel and act differently.  
• Coping Strategies: CBT provides you with skills to cope with difficult feelings like anxiety such  as relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. 

How CBT Helps with Depression 

• Breaking the Cycle of Negative Thinking: Negative thinking patterns fuel depressive feelings  that can lead to even more negative thinking patterns. CBT targets these negative thinking  patterns to break the cycle. 
• Behavioral Activation: Lack of motivation is a symptom of depression that makes it difficult to  engage in activities that bring pleasure, accomplishment and meaning to life. CBT encourages engagement in these activities using behavioral activation to combat low motivation and improve  mood.

• Building Healthy Habits: Change is difficult, and it can feel overwhelming just to get started.  Creating small, achievable goals towards healthy habits builds confidence and fosters hope in a  better future. 

Still Waters Approach to CBT in Calgary 

• At Still Waters Psychology, our counsellors have experience using CBT for treating symptoms of  anxiety and depression.  
• Tailored Treatment: We want to ensure that your treatment alligns with your goals for therapy.  Your counsellor can tailor your treatment and make changes along the way to ensure you are  getting the most out of your experience.  
• Compassionate Care: Our trusted counsellors are committed to creating a safe, supportive  environment where individuals can openly explore their mental health concerns. We will meet  you where you are at and work towards your goals at your pace.  

What to Expect During Your CBT Sessions  

• Initial Consultation: In your first session, your counsellor will explore your symptoms and  concerns with a detailed history. Together, you will set goals for therapy that allign with what is  important to you and your therapist will discuss a treatment plan that works for you.  
• Ongoing Sessions: Each session, you will review your progress, practice new strategies and  techniques as needed and address any new challenges that arise. Reflecting and recording is an  important aspect of CBT that will be encouraged so your progress can be monitored and you can  really understand what is and isn’t working.  
• Tools and Techniques: Your counsellor will provide you with tools and techniques used in CBT  such as cognitive restructuring, journaling and exposure therapy for anxiety.  

The Benefits of Choosing CBT for Anxiety and Depression in Calgary 

• Evidence-Based Treatment: CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and  depression and has been proven to be as effective as other treatments, including medication.  The structured approach to CBT helps to provide clarity in the treatment process and monitor your progress towards your goals. 
• Long-Term Results: The skills learned in CBT can be applied to many different situations and  challenges accross the lifespan. Once you have mastered the skills of coping with anxiety,  reframing irrational thoughts, or combating low motivation, you are empowered to face other  challenges in your life even after therapy.  
• Accessible Care in Calgary: We have availability for online and in-person appointments at times  that are convenient for you, including evenings and weekends. We understand that taking the  first step towards getting help is difficult enough and we want you to feel at ease with everything  else regarding your treatment. Our team is ready to help you! 

Conclusion 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool that can help you manage and overcome anxiety  and depression. With the guidance of an experienced counsellors like Ashley Shaw and the counsellors

at Still Waters Psychology, you can gain the confidence and resilience you need to face life’s challenges  and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re ready to explore how CBT can benefit you, don’t hesitate  to reach out to our team at Still Waters Psychology or book a consultation with one of our counsellors.  Appointments can be booked online at https://stillwaterspsych.janeapp.com or by contacting our admin  team by phone at(403)-523-9399 or by email at info@stillwaterspsych.com.