Cognitive behavioural therapy services
In Richmond Hill & York Region
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) addresses how external factors, people, events, and situations can impact our thoughts and perceptions. By changing how we think and interpret the world, we can feel more empowered in our daily lives.
At Bhatia Psychology Group, we offer CBT, to help our clients explore fears, insecurities, and/or recurring negative thoughts that may contribute to destructive behaviours and negative belief systems. This form of psychotherapy is effective in treating mental health conditions and disorders such as:
- Depression
- Trauma
- Addictions
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Eating Disorders
- Phobias
- Low Self Esteem
- Bipolar Disorders
- Substance Abuse
- Panic Attacks
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Depression
- Trauma
- Addictions
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Eating Disorders
- Phobias
- Low Self Esteem
- Bipolar Disorders
- Substance Abuse
- Panic Attacks
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
How it works
Negative thoughts can persist and hold us back from achieving what we want in life. When left unchecked, these thoughts can influence our behaviours and form vicious, repetitive cycles. By challenging our negative thoughts and core beliefs, we can change how we think, behave, and feel.
At Bhatia Psychology Group, we assist you in identifying negative beliefs and patterns while guiding you to become more aware of your daily thoughts and behaviours. With some time, patience, and committed effort, you can attain a healthier state of mind and enhance your mental health.
Our team is here to provide you with the necessary guidance and emotional support you need.
What to expect
During Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Sessions
The first couple of sessions will be exploratory and designed to help build up a trusting and supportive rapport between the therapist and the client. This is also a time to determine if CBT is the right form of treatment for the individual.
By the end of the second session, the client and therapist should have a clear idea of the presenting concerns needing treatment, the goals for future CBT sessions, and any problematic behavioural patterns and thoughts that may be holding a client back from meeting his/her goals.
Once these foundations are laid, the remaining sessions will focus on challenging any negative thoughts that may be contributing to detrimental behaviour patterns, which in turn reinforce the negative thoughts, creating a vicious cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT is an effective form of therapy that can give clients the results they seek in fewer sessions than traditional forms of therapy. While each individual is unique, and treatment times will vary from one case to another, most cases involving CBT require 8-15 sessions. Booster sessions or follow-up sessions may also be recommended periodically to help prevent relapses and reinforce the skills acquired during the first round of sessions.
How effective is cognitive behavioural therapy?
CBT is an evidence-based form of treatment that has been researched extensively over the past 50 years for its effectiveness. While each individual is unique, and the amount of effort put into one’s recovery is a key component, CBT has produced significant therapeutic results over a short period.
Do I need to be on medication to begin CBT?
Medication is not a requirement to undergo CBT. There may be some cases, such as severe depression, where an individual may benefit from the combination of CBT and medication. In these situations, it is best advised to speak with your family doctor to arrange a referral for a medication consult.
How is my progress measured?
Progress during the CBT journey is assessed through a client’s feedback, alongside a range of measurement tools. These tools include mood scales and various psychological assessments designed to objectively evaluate progress related to each unique case and situation.
Will I see results right away?
Everyone is unique; some clients may respond quickly to treatment, while others may take more time. The key thing to remember is the importance of patience in the healing journey. It takes time to create real change, and the first couple of sessions will be more exploratory and foundational for the work that is ahead. One should not expect to see results immediately, but over time, they should begin to present and grow with gradual consistency.
How did this form of therapy begin?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on the work of Dr. Albert Ellis and Dr. Aaron Beck.
How often should I meet with my therapist?
Typically, a client meets with the therapist once a week or at least once every two weeks. Some cases, such as those involving recent or severe trauma, may initially require more intensive therapy. The therapist will offer individual recommendations during your first session.
What level of participation is expected from me?
Undergoing CBT requires active participation from both the client and therapist. The more open and honest a client is about his/her current issues and struggles, the more progress one can expect to see. Homework may be given to individuals undergoing this form of therapy, and as in all forms of therapy, the more work an individual is willing to contribute to their healing process, the greater the results they can expect to see.
Why choose Bhatia Psychology Group?
Finding the right therapist is a key component to overcoming challenging negative thoughts and behavioural patterns. At Bhatia Psychology Group, we have clinical psychologists, registered psychotherapists, and registered social workers who are trained in CBT, among other modalities. Our goal is to provide a supportive and professional therapeutic setting where clients can explore their emotions and work toward healing without judgment.
Give us a call to get started on your journey toward healing today
Do you offer CBT for youth/children?
Yes, we offer therapy for both children and youth. CBT can be conducted between a therapist and the child, or family therapy may be recommended to address issues such as child behaviour, relationship difficulties, and broader family dynamics.
Other therapeutic modalities at BPG
At Bhatia Psychology Group, we utilize multiple modalities and offer couples therapy, individual therapy, and therapy for youth in Richmond Hill. Inner child work is one therapeutic practice offered to help clients heal from past trauma and emotional wounds.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a powerful psychological treatment that uses bilateral stimulation (commonly seen during the REM phase) to alleviate the symptoms associated with trauma. It can be a valuable tool in the management of anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and more.
Dialectical-Informed Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Learning to regulate our emotions on demand and tackle overwhelming challenges can be difficult. Intense negative emotions may strain relationships and trap us in challenging patterns. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) fosters emotional resilience and promotes healthier coping strategies.
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Our emotions shape our reactions and relationships. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) explores early attachment patterns to help us understand and reshape how we connect with others. By changing emotional responses, EFT fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Affect Phobia Therapy (APT)
Affect Phobia Therapy (APT) is a short-term dynamic psychotherapy that helps clients recognize and process intense emotions. It’s based on the idea that many psychological struggles stem from internal conflicts about emotions. APT combines techniques from Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Experiential Therapies to enhance client-therapist interactions