Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an effective and empowering way to reduce the suffering associated with stress, anxiety and depression. Dr. Guthrie uses psychotherapy to help you build self-awareness, increase resiliency to stress and change negative thinking patterns.

In addition to treating stress and mental/emotional concerns, psychotherapy is also used to help people deal with chronic illness, such as digestive disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, immune disorders and chronic fatigue.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in hundreds of clinical trials. In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, CBT is more focused on the present, more time-limited, and more problem-solving oriented. In addition, patients learn specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying underlying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviours.

CBT is an active, practical and goal-oriented form of therapy. Rather than simply talk about your problems, Dr. Guthrie will listen, reflect and then help you implement solutions to problems or to make changes in your thinking patterns and actions.

CBT is particularly effective in treating stress, anxiety and depression. Research also shows that people experiencing anxiety and depression are less likely to relapse when treated with CBT, meaning that it’s a good preventative treatment to help people stay well.

In addition to helping emotional problems, CBT can also be used to help you achieve your health goals. Many of us have ideas about how to be healthier, but have trouble implementing these ideas, such as: increasing exercise, decreasing bad habits, learning new interpersonal skills, improving management skills, prioritizing nutrition, and getting more sleep. Dr. Guthrie can help you develop a goal list and decide which goals to start working towards and how to reach them.

Reference: Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy