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Couples Therapy
Couple in Mediation

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Calgary

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is based on the principles that our thoughts (cognitive), feelings and actions (behaviours) are all interrelated. The goal of CBT is that by focusing and changing our thoughts or behaviours - it will change how we feel towards ourselves, others and situations.  What we think and do affects the way we feel. 

 

CBT is well researched and proven to be highly effective. CBT is often considered the “gold standard” and has been shown to be effective in 375 clinical trials. CBT has been tested for effectiveness since 1977. CBT is effective for all ages, cultures, income and education levels.​

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Calgary

How Does CBT Address Thoughts and Behaviours?

Our thoughts can sometimes be inaccurate, biased, and misinterpreted. CBT tries to introduce flexibility into our thoughts. Some common ways it does this includes:

  • Thought recording (noticing what we are thinking

  • Perspective-taking (looking at things from a different point of view)

  • Role-playing (acting out a scenario).

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Our behaviours can be automatic and reactive due to fear. Some behavioural techniques include:

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Breathing exercises

  • Successive approximation (breaking things down to small steps)

  • Exposure therapy  (slowly addressing and reducing our fears).
     

What Can I Expect During CBT

CBT focuses on the present moment and issues that are currently existing. CBT is short-term and structured. Most clients typically attend 6-20 sessions. CBT is collaborative, you will work along-side with your therapist towards your goal. You are an active participant towards addressing presenting issues, or managing your symptoms.  

 

CBT is educational, you will learn new ways about how you think and behave. The typical structure involves learning new skills and techniques, followed by being assigned homework from your therapist.
 Homework gives you an opportunity to practice the skills and techniques you learned. The goal is practicing it will make it into a habit - which will make it easier to use the skills in difficult situations. 
 

Serious Conversation
  • What are the steps I need to take to begin the couples counselling process?
    If you or your partner are worried about your relationship the first step you need to take is requesting a free 20-minute consultation. From this point we will book an appointment in person or online and then develop goals from there to best meet your needs.
  • What do you cover in couples counselling?
    I will work with you to develop a therapeutic plan designed to address your unique needs, goals, and problems/issues. Together we will prioritize which goals you would like to "target" first.
  • What's your clinical counselling timings?
    At the Thrive Business Centre: Tue & Thurs: 12 pm - 9 pm & Wed: 2 - 8 pm, At the Sunalta location: Monday and Friday from 12 pm - 9 pm. Subsequent sessions focus on your individualized goals. Appointments are between 1 - 3 weeks apart to give you opportunities to work on the skills you have learned from the previous therapy sessions.
  • How can someone outside my relationship really help me?
    Seeing a therapist can help you identify issues that you may not have seen at the time and then equip you with the tools you need to fix these issues and develop a better connection with your partner.
  • How long does the couples counselling process last?
    This process is a little different for everyone. It will depend on how much work you have to do, how often I see you, and how hard you work towards your goals.
  • Will my health insurance cover most of the costs of couples counselling?
    Almost all Extended Health Care Plans cover all or a portion of the costs for a psychologist under "psychologist services", "psychotherapy", or "counselling". Contact your insurance agent for more information on reimbursement procedures and coverage information. Direct Billing can be performed for a number of companies. Direct billing is where the Psychologist will bill your insurance company and you will only be responsible to pay for your portion of the session cost. Click here to see if yours can be directly billed.
  • Will my partner and I always attend couples counselling sessions together?
    Attending couples counselling sessions together works best for the relationship. It will help to see both sides of the story and different perspectives on the issues you wish to tackle. If for whatever reason you or your partner can not make it to the session we can always reschedule up to 24 hours beforehand.
  • Can I come for couples counselling without my partner?
    We recommend coming together, but if one of you can not make it we can reschedule up to 24 hours beforehand. We also offer individual counselling for individual issues outside the relationship: anger management, communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional expression

Get Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Calgary

If you are unsure whether we can meet your  counselling or assessment needs give us a call to receive a free consultation. You can then decide whether we are a good fit for you or your family.

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