Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Collegedale, TN

Photo of Linda Peoples, PhD, RN, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Linda Peoples
Counselor, PhD, RN, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Collegedale, TN 37315
eclectic, behavioral, humanistic, holistic & cognitive behavioral.
Life can be confusing and frustrating. Counseling can help you to explore and make decisions towards a healthy future. Taking care of one's emotional health is important, you are worth it. I believe a counselor can be a fresh pair of eyes with the expertise to help one find their way through life's events. Due to COVID-19 concerns sessions are now being offered via tele-health video or telephone.
eclectic, behavioral, humanistic, holistic & cognitive behavioral.
Life can be confusing and frustrating. Counseling can help you to explore and make decisions towards a healthy future. Taking care of one's emotional health is important, you are worth it. I believe a counselor can be a fresh pair of eyes with the expertise to help one find their way through life's events. Due to COVID-19 concerns sessions are now being offered via tele-health video or telephone.
(423) 484-8022 View (423) 484-8022
Photo of Claire Ashcraft, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claire Ashcraft
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collegedale, TN 37315  (Online Only)
I also incorporate techniques/modalities like CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, play therapy and person-centered therapy.
Hello all! First and foremost, congratulations on the bravery it takes to make this first step toward better mental health. It's not easy! Your courage does not go unrecognized. Do you struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression? Have you gone through a traumatic situation that you can't get out of your mind or have a kiddo that needs some behavioral help? My passion is rooted in helping those with such issues find a renewed sense of their own passion for life and ultimately, peace.
I also incorporate techniques/modalities like CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, play therapy and person-centered therapy.
Hello all! First and foremost, congratulations on the bravery it takes to make this first step toward better mental health. It's not easy! Your courage does not go unrecognized. Do you struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression? Have you gone through a traumatic situation that you can't get out of your mind or have a kiddo that needs some behavioral help? My passion is rooted in helping those with such issues find a renewed sense of their own passion for life and ultimately, peace.
(423) 522-1558 View (423) 522-1558
Photo of Heidi Kilmer, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heidi Kilmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Collegedale, TN 37315
Have you recently been through a painful event, are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck, concerned about your child or having a hard time relating with someone? These and other issues can interfere with living a full, rewarding life. I believe you are the expert of your life. My goal is to empower you with tools, techniques and concepts on a journey towards understanding, healing and wholeness. Therapeutic approaches encourage awareness of how our thoughts affect our feelings, realization of how the past impacts the present and future, and assists people in creating healthy boundaries and communication with in their relationships.
Have you recently been through a painful event, are you feeling overwhelmed or stuck, concerned about your child or having a hard time relating with someone? These and other issues can interfere with living a full, rewarding life. I believe you are the expert of your life. My goal is to empower you with tools, techniques and concepts on a journey towards understanding, healing and wholeness. Therapeutic approaches encourage awareness of how our thoughts affect our feelings, realization of how the past impacts the present and future, and assists people in creating healthy boundaries and communication with in their relationships.
(423) 301-5645 View (423) 301-5645
Photo of V. Ritchie Pruehs, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
V. Ritchie Pruehs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Collegedale, TN 37315
The people I love to work with are those that have tried to change so many times that they have almost given up hope. I love helping clients get to the actual root of their issues, so that they no longer desire old habits. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, Trauma/PTSD, burnout, addiction, and marital difficulties. I enjoy pre-marital or pre-engagement counseling. My primary mode of treatment is EFT for couples and IFS for individuals. I love IFS, because it heals childhood wounds so thoroughly and deeply, and because it enables the client to do the bulk of the healing.
The people I love to work with are those that have tried to change so many times that they have almost given up hope. I love helping clients get to the actual root of their issues, so that they no longer desire old habits. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, Trauma/PTSD, burnout, addiction, and marital difficulties. I enjoy pre-marital or pre-engagement counseling. My primary mode of treatment is EFT for couples and IFS for individuals. I love IFS, because it heals childhood wounds so thoroughly and deeply, and because it enables the client to do the bulk of the healing.
(423) 380-1815 View (423) 380-1815

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Bailey Spradling, MS, MFT-I, Pre-Licensed Professional
Bailey Spradling
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MFT-I
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Waitlist for new clients
I also utilize treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and play-based interventions.
I understand the exhaustion that can come from feeling like you’ve tried everything. Whether you are a young adult looking for services for yourself, or a parent seeking services for your child, I would love to join you in your journey to try and trust the therapeutic process.
I also utilize treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and play-based interventions.
I understand the exhaustion that can come from feeling like you’ve tried everything. Whether you are a young adult looking for services for yourself, or a parent seeking services for your child, I would love to join you in your journey to try and trust the therapeutic process.
(423) 441-4682 View (423) 441-4682
Photo of Shanae Pietrzycki, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shanae Pietrzycki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363  (Online Only)
I utilize a few different evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy should be a place for growth and healing. As a clinician, I understand it is difficult to take the first steps of going to therapy and opening up to someone about your life or retelling your story after many attempts in therapy. My aim is to provide a safe place where you feel comfortable and accepted to allow space for vulnerability and change. I am passionate about working with adolescents and young adults on healing old wounds and moving forward with a healthy life.
I utilize a few different evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy should be a place for growth and healing. As a clinician, I understand it is difficult to take the first steps of going to therapy and opening up to someone about your life or retelling your story after many attempts in therapy. My aim is to provide a safe place where you feel comfortable and accepted to allow space for vulnerability and change. I am passionate about working with adolescents and young adults on healing old wounds and moving forward with a healthy life.
(423) 460-9065 View (423) 460-9065
Photo of Brynna Frantz, Pre-Licensed Professional
Brynna Frantz
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
I take an approach that integrates CBT and DBT (therapies which emphasize our relationship to our thoughts and feelings) with an emphasis on the whole person.
I know from personal experience that searching for a therapist, from reading profiles to scheduling, can feel like an overwhelming task. Whether you come with a goal in mind or are coming because something feels “off”, I hope to make the therapy space feel like your own. I enjoy working with individuals and couples working to learn new parenting skills for improving their relationship with their neurodivergent children, deconstructing hurtful religious messages, exploring and recovering from trauma, and unpacking the impact of discrimination/bigotry/trauma on LGBTQ+ identity.
I take an approach that integrates CBT and DBT (therapies which emphasize our relationship to our thoughts and feelings) with an emphasis on the whole person.
I know from personal experience that searching for a therapist, from reading profiles to scheduling, can feel like an overwhelming task. Whether you come with a goal in mind or are coming because something feels “off”, I hope to make the therapy space feel like your own. I enjoy working with individuals and couples working to learn new parenting skills for improving their relationship with their neurodivergent children, deconstructing hurtful religious messages, exploring and recovering from trauma, and unpacking the impact of discrimination/bigotry/trauma on LGBTQ+ identity.
(423) 295-7863 View (423) 295-7863
Photo of Hannah Fraser, MS, MFTI, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Hannah Fraser
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, MFTI
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), DBT, Experiential techniques, Gottman's Emotion Coaching, and other evidence-based practices.
Hello! I am a therapist that specializes in family therapy and therapy for children and teens ages 3-18. I also enjoy working with adults of all ages who are experiencing grief, anxiety, or tics. I believe that people are exceptionally resilient. However, there are times when circumstances become too overwhelming to bear alone. Children may have difficulty sharing their emotions verbally and will instead act out, causing stress in the family. My passion is creating a safe space for healing to occur. I work with children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, tics, autism (levels 1 and 2), trauma, grief, divorce, and more.
I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), DBT, Experiential techniques, Gottman's Emotion Coaching, and other evidence-based practices.
Hello! I am a therapist that specializes in family therapy and therapy for children and teens ages 3-18. I also enjoy working with adults of all ages who are experiencing grief, anxiety, or tics. I believe that people are exceptionally resilient. However, there are times when circumstances become too overwhelming to bear alone. Children may have difficulty sharing their emotions verbally and will instead act out, causing stress in the family. My passion is creating a safe space for healing to occur. I work with children and families experiencing anxiety, depression, tics, autism (levels 1 and 2), trauma, grief, divorce, and more.
(423) 455-9751 View (423) 455-9751
Photo of Dr. Lar'Mara Henderson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Lar'Mara Henderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Waitlist for new clients
We use proven evidence-based practice interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused treatments such as eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
Scenic City Therapy, LLC. specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms with individuals, couples, and groups. Dr. Henderson has worked with active-duty military and veteran populations over the past 20 years and offers an inclusive environment sensitive to the unique needs of this population.
We use proven evidence-based practice interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused treatments such as eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
Scenic City Therapy, LLC. specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms with individuals, couples, and groups. Dr. Henderson has worked with active-duty military and veteran populations over the past 20 years and offers an inclusive environment sensitive to the unique needs of this population.
(423) 295-9132 View (423) 295-9132
Photo of Jennifer A Ladd, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer A Ladd
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
Ooltewah, TN 37363  (Online Only)
Jennifer Ladd has over a decade of experience treating clients with various concerns just like yours. She is intuitive in her approach, incorporating her EMDR, Interpersonal Process, and TF-CBT training to bring you a highly individualized approach that matches your specific needs. Her counseling style is warm, conversational, and interactive. She is ready to support you as you take that next step towards greater peace and happiness. Don't hesitate to reach out for help. You will find a respectful and warm therapeutic space to process and heal from old wounds and to gain new skills and insights to support the life you deserve.
Jennifer Ladd has over a decade of experience treating clients with various concerns just like yours. She is intuitive in her approach, incorporating her EMDR, Interpersonal Process, and TF-CBT training to bring you a highly individualized approach that matches your specific needs. Her counseling style is warm, conversational, and interactive. She is ready to support you as you take that next step towards greater peace and happiness. Don't hesitate to reach out for help. You will find a respectful and warm therapeutic space to process and heal from old wounds and to gain new skills and insights to support the life you deserve.
(423) 561-8182 View (423) 561-8182
Photo of Kathy Hilbert, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathy Hilbert
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral (CBT) and ACT approaches to therapy.
Maybe you are grieving; feel anxious, depressed, and stuck in your head. Does it seem like the person you want to be and the life you want to live is out of reach? Learning new skills to respond more effectively to those challenging thoughts and feelings may be all that you need to continue moving forward in the direction of your values. As a therapist, I hope to cultivate a relationship that facilitates change, wholeness, and health wherever you are in your journey.
I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral (CBT) and ACT approaches to therapy.
Maybe you are grieving; feel anxious, depressed, and stuck in your head. Does it seem like the person you want to be and the life you want to live is out of reach? Learning new skills to respond more effectively to those challenging thoughts and feelings may be all that you need to continue moving forward in the direction of your values. As a therapist, I hope to cultivate a relationship that facilitates change, wholeness, and health wherever you are in your journey.
(423) 379-2583 View (423) 379-2583
Photo of Cynthia Fallowfield, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cynthia Fallowfield
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Ooltewah, TN 37363
She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to provide a safe space to explore challenges and develop coping strategies.
Cynthia is a master’s level clinician with an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Cynthia’s professional interests are interpersonal trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and religious trauma. She has experience working with transitional-aged youth exploring their identity. She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and has experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth and the intersectionality of substance use disorders. Cynthia also has a wealth of knowledge from working with elite athletes for decades.
She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to provide a safe space to explore challenges and develop coping strategies.
Cynthia is a master’s level clinician with an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Cynthia’s professional interests are interpersonal trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and religious trauma. She has experience working with transitional-aged youth exploring their identity. She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and has experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth and the intersectionality of substance use disorders. Cynthia also has a wealth of knowledge from working with elite athletes for decades.
(423) 799-3879 View (423) 799-3879
Photo of Laura Bertrand, MA, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Laura Bertrand
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Ooltewah, TN 37363
I am trained in EMDR (by EMDR Consulting who is approved by EMDRIA), but I also utilize art techniques, mindfulness, and more cognitive behavioral strategies.
We don't have good words in the English Language for pain. We think of it as something that is almost completely physical. We assume that if someone can't point to a wound then they must not be in pain. Then when we try to express the pain we have to use words like depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, or addiction. Instead of just being able to say, "I am hurting, and I want to stop." My goal is to help you find ways to stop hurting. Healing is often painful itself, but there can be a life with less pain.
I am trained in EMDR (by EMDR Consulting who is approved by EMDRIA), but I also utilize art techniques, mindfulness, and more cognitive behavioral strategies.
We don't have good words in the English Language for pain. We think of it as something that is almost completely physical. We assume that if someone can't point to a wound then they must not be in pain. Then when we try to express the pain we have to use words like depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, or addiction. Instead of just being able to say, "I am hurting, and I want to stop." My goal is to help you find ways to stop hurting. Healing is often painful itself, but there can be a life with less pain.
(423) 615-8845 View (423) 615-8845
Photo of Allie Haskew, MEd, LPC-, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allie Haskew
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
In working with my clients, I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions including person-centered, mind-body, cultural-relational, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapies.
I believe that the role of a counselor is to be a "fellow traveler" for someone struggling with the difficulties of life. I am passionate about meeting people in the midst of their struggles and helping them navigate the delicate balance of acceptance and change. I am also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who can help those on their journey to making peace with food and their body. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, addictions, relationship distress, or trauma, we can work together to help you experience a life worth living.
In working with my clients, I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions including person-centered, mind-body, cultural-relational, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapies.
I believe that the role of a counselor is to be a "fellow traveler" for someone struggling with the difficulties of life. I am passionate about meeting people in the midst of their struggles and helping them navigate the delicate balance of acceptance and change. I am also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who can help those on their journey to making peace with food and their body. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, addictions, relationship distress, or trauma, we can work together to help you experience a life worth living.
(423) 564-5350 View (423) 564-5350
Photo of Jennifer Metzler, MEd, LMFT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Metzler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Reaching out for marriage, child, or family therapy is not easy, however, there is good news. Progress can be made, relationships can heal, and families can be functional again. I am skilled at helping clients develop the needed strategies to heal hurts, process conflict, set boundaries, and build closeness. I have extensive training in a variety of therapies including Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other research-based tools. I focus on client's specific needs and work to find solutions for their concerns.
Reaching out for marriage, child, or family therapy is not easy, however, there is good news. Progress can be made, relationships can heal, and families can be functional again. I am skilled at helping clients develop the needed strategies to heal hurts, process conflict, set boundaries, and build closeness. I have extensive training in a variety of therapies including Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other research-based tools. I focus on client's specific needs and work to find solutions for their concerns.
(706) 909-3124 View (706) 909-3124
Photo of A. G. Estes, TLMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
A. G. Estes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, TLMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
I utilize play techniques from child-centered PT, solution-focused PT, and cognitive behavioral PT allowing children to feel in charge of their decisions in a safe and empowering way.
Day-to-day life is exhausting! Maybe you were laying your child down for bed, and they said something that scared you or maybe your family is going through transitions, and you're worried about how they are responding to it. Through the therapeutic relationship, I join alongside children (ages 3-12), families, and individuals to provide an empathic, welcoming place where fears and hopelessness can be replaced with coping skills and a greater understanding of oneself. I work with children experiencing big emotions, behavioral/school difficulties, anxiety, self-esteem, traumatic experiences, and low social engagement.
I utilize play techniques from child-centered PT, solution-focused PT, and cognitive behavioral PT allowing children to feel in charge of their decisions in a safe and empowering way.
Day-to-day life is exhausting! Maybe you were laying your child down for bed, and they said something that scared you or maybe your family is going through transitions, and you're worried about how they are responding to it. Through the therapeutic relationship, I join alongside children (ages 3-12), families, and individuals to provide an empathic, welcoming place where fears and hopelessness can be replaced with coping skills and a greater understanding of oneself. I work with children experiencing big emotions, behavioral/school difficulties, anxiety, self-esteem, traumatic experiences, and low social engagement.
(423) 430-6307 View (423) 430-6307
Photo of Rebecca Trent - Rebecca Trent Counseling M.S., LMFT, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca Trent Counseling M.S., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
During our lifetime, we humans go through many life transitions. Helping women, children, and teens succeed through life's many demands is my focus and passion. Working with women who are experiencing a life transition is one of my primary strengths. The second area of focus within my practice is working with parents and individuals who are neurodivergent or who have a child who is neurodivergent. Being a parent of a neurodivergent child myself I enjoy connecting and helping parents and individuals as they navigate this oftentimes difficult journey.
During our lifetime, we humans go through many life transitions. Helping women, children, and teens succeed through life's many demands is my focus and passion. Working with women who are experiencing a life transition is one of my primary strengths. The second area of focus within my practice is working with parents and individuals who are neurodivergent or who have a child who is neurodivergent. Being a parent of a neurodivergent child myself I enjoy connecting and helping parents and individuals as they navigate this oftentimes difficult journey.
(423) 291-4989 View (423) 291-4989
Photo of Naomi Boothe, LPC, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Naomi Boothe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
I acknowledge and respect the effort it takes to reach out for help. The strength it takes to say "enough!, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". The courage it takes to choose towards something more, something better, than where you are at right now. Thank you for being here! What if every wrongness was a strength not yet acknowledged? You are stronger than you think and worth so much more than you can imagine. The fact that you are reading this right now is proof of that!
I acknowledge and respect the effort it takes to reach out for help. The strength it takes to say "enough!, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". The courage it takes to choose towards something more, something better, than where you are at right now. Thank you for being here! What if every wrongness was a strength not yet acknowledged? You are stronger than you think and worth so much more than you can imagine. The fact that you are reading this right now is proof of that!
(423) 218-4314 View (423) 218-4314
Photo of Lorri Merchant, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lorri Merchant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Life can be overwhelming for many of us and things can become out of balance in our lives. When this happens you may need to connect with another human being, a professional who can really listen, provide perspective and honor you in your journey. Which may include resolving difficulty in relationships, healing from trauma, stabilizing and enhancing mental health and wellbeing, strengthening a sense of identity and finding an overall sense of "wholeness", growth and peace. As a clinician my goal is to connect with the strengths already within my clients, to facilitate change and to provide expertise that is meaningful.
Life can be overwhelming for many of us and things can become out of balance in our lives. When this happens you may need to connect with another human being, a professional who can really listen, provide perspective and honor you in your journey. Which may include resolving difficulty in relationships, healing from trauma, stabilizing and enhancing mental health and wellbeing, strengthening a sense of identity and finding an overall sense of "wholeness", growth and peace. As a clinician my goal is to connect with the strengths already within my clients, to facilitate change and to provide expertise that is meaningful.
(423) 592-8739 View (423) 592-8739
Photo of Jennifer Morgan-Lambert, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Morgan-Lambert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Waitlist for new clients
"You are the author of your own life story". As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and confidential environment where people can discuss their struggles and know that they will not be judged or criticized for talking about how they feel or think. I am experienced in the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, behavior problems, family conflict, gender identify, grief, trauma and life stressors. I enjoy working with preteens, adolescents and adults by meeting the client where they are in life. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your needs and work together to begin improving your current situation.
"You are the author of your own life story". As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and confidential environment where people can discuss their struggles and know that they will not be judged or criticized for talking about how they feel or think. I am experienced in the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, behavior problems, family conflict, gender identify, grief, trauma and life stressors. I enjoy working with preteens, adolescents and adults by meeting the client where they are in life. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your needs and work together to begin improving your current situation.
(423) 301-5218 View (423) 301-5218

See more therapy options for Collegedale

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists

How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by exploring how your thoughts affect your emotions and experiences. CBT helps you identify distortions in your thinking. For example, you may tend to jump to the worst case scenario catastrophizing or think in extremes (all-or-nothing thinking). A therapist can teach you how to push back against those thoughts to ultimately change your feelings and behavior for the better. They can also provide coping skills to better deal with stressors and challenges.

When do I know to seek treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy?

It’s reasonable to consider cognitive behavioral therapy if you struggle to manage difficult emotions or behaviors to such an extent that you are not getting the most out of life on a day-to-day basis. If you want a shorter term, concrete, skills-based approach, CBT is a great option. (By contrast, other types of therapy may devote more time to exploring your past and its effects.) The decision to seek CBT also depends on the condition you’re treating; CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and many other disorders.

How can I find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else?

To find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else, you may want to begin by discussing the person’s problem, researching cognitive behavioral therapy, and assessing whether the approach is the right fit. You could then reach out to a few cognitive behavioral therapists in this directory, explain the scenario, have a consultation with those available, and determine who could be a good match.

Why is CBT such a popular form of therapy?

CBT has become a popular form of therapy because it is effective and accessible. Robust research has demonstrated that CBT is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions. And CBT can be learned in relatively few sessions, which means that many people can engage in the process, afford it, and see results quickly. It involves learning concrete skills such as disputing unhelpful thoughts; these skills can also be taught and spread widely.