What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Evidence-based studies have found Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) to effectively reduce anxiety and depression. Unlike some other forms of psychotherapy that focus on the past, CBT is a goal and action-oriented intervention focused on helping clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in the present.
Research has shown that maladaptive thinking feeds and maintains psychological distress. By understanding the connection between negative thoughts, assumptions and beliefs, clients can begin to reframe unhealthy thoughts and achieve symptom relief.
CBT may also be used to help clients develop positive coping strategies as a replacement for unhelpful behaviors. Behavior modification and problem-solving techniques are often helpful in overcoming avoidant or fear-based responses to life’s challenges.
What is Mindfulness?
Numerous scientific studies have documented the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness for the treatment of depression, anxiety, pain and chronic illness. The practice of mindfulness involves pausing and taking a moment to observe your thoughts, feelings, breath and body. In that moment – in that pause – there is space to non-judgmentally take stock of what is happening to your mind and body. Allowing for that space gives you an opportunity to become a compassionate observer of your thoughts, feelings and emotions. This process of observing rather than judging has been found to reduce suffering and enhance our ability to be fully present in our lives.