Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is based on the notion that feelings and behaviours are a result of our thinking or inner dialogue. It is not the situation or the event that determines how we feel or act, but our interpretation or appraisal of this event or situation. As a result, by changing our thinking, we can change our feelings and behaviours even though the situation or event remains the same. This idea is particularly useful when it come to anxiety or depression for research has discovered that people who are depressed or anxious tend to see the world and their relationship to the world in generally negative terms. For these people, it is like placing an ink drop in a clear glass of water – everything looks murky. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps people to examine and challenge these negative thoughts which are often distorted or irrational and replace them with more positive or neutral ones. CBT also examines people’s core beliefs or assumptions they have grown up with about how life is, for instance, beliefs like “people are not to be trusted” or “everything I do has to be perfect”. The therapist along with the client work together to determine whether these beliefs that may have been useful in the past as a form of self-protection are still valid today as adults.

Cognitive Behavioural therapists have in their counselling arsenal an array of strategies and techniques to help individuals change their ways of interacting in the world including teaching them assertiveness, problem-solving, communication, relaxation, mindfulness, breathing and cognitive-restructuring skills. Once trust is established, the therapist may encourage the client to step out of his or her comfort zone and take the risk to try something different, especially if what they are doing in the past hasn’t been working for them. Homework is an important part of this process and part of the therapy session may involve recapping the week’s successes and failures. The therapy also emphasizes what is happening in the present as opposed to the past, believing that taking positive action will lead to self-mastery and positive change.

The Alpine Anxiety and Stress Relief Clinic is located in Vancouver, BC. Our team of experienced counsellors and therapists utilize proven and well researched methods to provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression and panic.