Treatment with CBT focuses on dealing with symptoms you are experiencing now, as opposed to focusing on the cause of the problem. This doesn’t mean that the cause of the problem can’t be discussed, but knowing where the problem originated likely isn’t enough to manage or treat it effectively. Identifying harmful and inaccurate thought patterns and learning new skills and strategies are needed to create new ways of thinking and behaving.

Typically, there is a format to each session, where clients learn new information and skills and are assigned homework. At the beginning of the following session, homework is reviewed to ensure that skills and strategies are being learned correctly and used effectively.

Session length generally averages between 8 and 20 sessions, depending on the complexity and the severity of the issue(s). This time frame allows clients to learn new skills and utilize them effectively. Once this occurs, the client is generally able to manage the issue(s) on their own without psychotherapy/counselling.

While learning CBT, the goal is to learn new skills and strategies. Like any new skill, it is important to practice regularly to master it. Ideally, these skills are mastered and incorporated into your daily routine, even after you have finished attending psychotherapy/counselling sessions.

CBT treatment involves working with the therapist during each step of the process. This involves identifying and understanding symptoms, establishing and prioritizing treatment goals and developing an effective treatment plan to achieve your goals.