More and more people today are seeking help from psychologists who are skilled in cognitive behavioural therapy. This article discusses how you can find a psychologist with this kind of expertise.
One of the most frequently requested forms of therapy today is cognitive behavioural therapy. It is so popular that virtually all therapists and many members of the public refer to this treatment form by its well-known acronym, CBT. As the name suggests, this form of therapy focuses on helping you make changes in your cognitions (thinking) and your behaviour to address your issues. A primary reason for CBT’s popularity is its solid base of research findings indicating that making changes in these areas can lead to beneficial effects on people’s lives including their emotional well-being and relationships.
How to find a certified CBT therapist
It can be frustrating trying to find a psychologist who is skilled in CBT amid the large number of therapists practicing in your area. An effective way to avoid this needle-in-a-haystack search is to check out the website of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT). The Academy is comprised of specialists in CBT and includes prominent members such as Drs. Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, co-authors of the best-selling book Mind Over Mood, along with the founder of cognitive therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck who is also the honourary president of the organization.
Among its functions, the Academy provides a certification process in which therapists are assessed for their proficiency in CBT. Those therapists who pass the certification process are listed as certified diplomates on the ACT website. You can have confidence in choosing such a therapist that they are proficient in CBT.
As I’m sure you’ve surmised by now, I have completed the ACT certification process and am listed as one of the three diplomates from Alberta (along with my friend and former colleague Dr. Raymond Scott from Calgary and Dr. Monica Hill from Okotoks). Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in working with me as a Calgary psychologist or a Cochrane psychologist with expertise in CBT. I can help you learn and apply CBT skills to address your issues whether they focus on depression counselling, anxiety counselling, anger management counselling, eating disorders counselling, addiction counselling, couples counselling, self-esteem counselling, trauma counselling or sports psychology counselling.
Cognitively yours,
-Dr. Pat
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