Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, helps people understand connections between thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and body sensations.
Who this is for
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Ages 8+
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Looking for either single-session or ongoing therapy support
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Evidenced-based structured therapy to address the following concerns:
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Anxiety
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Depression & Mood
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OCD
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Eating Issues
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School Avoiance
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Insomnia & Sleep Issues
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Perfectionism
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Anger & Irritability
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Adjustment to Life Changes
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Body Image Issues
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Phobias
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How CBT can help
CBT is often a good fit when someone wants to work on specific, practical changes. Therapy may involve identifying unhelpful thought patterns, learning new coping skills, gradually facing situations that have been avoided, changing behavioural patterns, and practicing skills between sessions.
Our approach
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At the first session, the therapist will work with the teen to understand their current concerns, areas of strength, and develop a comprehensive plan forward
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Virtual availability across Ontario and in-person sessions in Scarborough, ON
Therapists who can support this work
Therapist fit matters for good clinical outcomes. You can learn more about each clinician below or visit the Our Team page to meet the full team.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Will there be home practice between sessions
CBT often includes practicing skills between sessions, but this doesn't have to feel like traditional homework. Depending on your goals, this might involve trying a new coping strategy, noticing thought patterns, practicing a skill, or taking a small step toward something you've been avoiding.
Does CBT work for kids and teens?
Yes. CBT can be adapted to be engaging and age-appropriate for children and teens. Rather than simply talking about thoughts and feelings, sessions may include games, activities, drawing, stories, or other creative approaches to help young people understand and practice new skills.
How long does CBT take?
There isn't a set number of sessions that works for everyone. Some people benefit from a relatively short course of CBT, while others may need more time depending on their concerns and goals. We regularly check in about progress and adjust the approach as needed.
I'm concerned I don't have enough time or money for therapy
It’s understandable to have concerns about the time and cost of counselling. Therapy should feel manageable for your family, so flexible options may help, whether that means finding suitable appointment times or exploring different ways to access support.
Together, we can discuss an approach that fits your child’s needs and your circumstances, while helping you build practical strategies to support them at home. It may also be helpful to shift your perspective to view a season of therapy as a long-term investment in your child’s well-being. Therapy can help them share their feelings with you, be more effective at school, and overtime navigate life's ups and downs, which is priceless.
Can CBT treat OCD?
Yes. CBT is one of the main evidence-based treatments for OCD. A specialized form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help people gradually face fears while learning not to rely on compulsions or other behaviours used to reduce anxiety.
