How Can I help....the next step in your path to balance

What is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)?
What will happen in my visit?
What services do you provide?
How are Behaviour therapist's trained? 

CBT and Behaviour therapy are types of counselling.  They focus on assisting clients in identifying and modifying unwanted behaviours and/or thoughts.  Programs are designed to help people meet THEIR goals.  CBT & behaviour therapy are short term therapies - we develop goals and strategies based on initial counseling sessions,  and track how effective strategies are for you.  CBT relies on feedback from the patient, letting us know what is and isn't working. Programs are flexible, and designed specifically for each individual.  You can stop the counselling anytime - when you have accomplished the changes you wanted to make, or no longer feel like working towards a change.        
CBT has been shown to be helpful for adults and children with:    

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Acquired Brain Injuries
• Mental Health Issues
• Learning Disabilities
• ADHD, ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Maladaptive Behaviour & Behaviour Disorders

 Like other counseling styles, we will meet, and discuss the issue(s) that brought you to counseling.  Initial appointments can be either in our office, in your home or setting of your choice (such as a school or support program).  This is where Behaviour therapy and CBT start to differ from other types of counseling.  If you require straight behavioural therapy, especially if the issue involves a child,  direct behavioural observation(s) is recommended.  This allows the therapist to develop a detailed understanding of the issue, and create a functional analysis and report for the patient that is truly based on what they are experiencing.
 For CBT, and for adult patients generally, a direct observation is used less frequently, and detailed tracking is indicated.  The therapeutic process would be explained to you in greater detail during your first appointment, and questions are welcome.  

For children we develop positive, practical, clear behaviour plans and work with your school to train, implement and track progress.


Services:

• Cognitive Behavioural Counselling
• On-site direct behavioural observation
• File & reports review
• Program design & implementation
• Mediator and parent training
• Group facilitation (both psychoeducational & therapeutic)  

 
How are Behaviour & Cognitive Behaviour Therapists trained?
Training for Cognitive behaviour therapists is not regulated, so people using this title have a large variety in training and background. I encourage anyone looking for a Cognitive / Behaviour Therapist to be sure to ask the therapist for credentials.  In Ontario alone there are weekend courses, one year certificates, 3 year college courses, and post graduate studies.   I graduated with distinction from an accredited three year program, and have participated in ongoing post graduate studies since that time. 

My Training includes:
Graduate (with highest honours) from 3 year accredited program in Behaviour Science
Advanced university courses in Adaptive & Assistive Technology
Current NVCPI
Member of Ontario Association of Applied Behaviour Analysts (ONTABA)