Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Ottawa & Westboro
Virtually Across Ontario

When your thoughts feel stuck in loops of worry, self-criticism, or catastrophizing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers a way forward. CBT helps you identify the thinking patterns that keep you stuck and teaches you practical strategies to shift both your thoughts and behaviors. It’s not about positive thinking – it’s about thinking more accurately and responding more effectively to life’s challenges.

Our Registered Psychotherapists at Therapy with Empathy bring CBT to clients in Ottawa’s Westboro neighborhood and across Ontario through virtual sessions. We work with you to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, challenge distortions, and build coping strategies you can use immediately in everyday situations.

CBT developed in the 1960s when psychiatrist Aaron Beck noticed that his patients’ emotional struggles often stemmed from distorted thinking patterns rather than deep unconscious conflicts. He found that by identifying and questioning these thoughts, people could shift their emotional responses and behaviors. Since then, CBT has become one of the most researched and validated approaches in psychotherapy.

Unlike therapies that primarily explore the past or focus on insight alone, CBT is action-oriented and present-focused. You’ll examine how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and influence each other. When you think “I’m going to fail,” you might avoid trying, which reinforces the belief. CBT helps you spot these cycles and interrupt them with new responses.

What sets CBT apart is its structured, goal-oriented approach. Sessions have clear agendas, you’ll learn specific techniques you can practice between sessions, and you’ll track your progress over time. This collaborative process means you’re actively building skills – not just talking about problems, but developing concrete tools to handle anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and other concerns more effectively.

Who Is CBT For?

CBT can be particularly helpful if you:

• Experience anxiety, panic attacks, or constant worrying
• Struggle with depression or persistent low mood
• Notice negative thought patterns that affect your daily life
• Want to manage stress, anger, or emotional responses more effectively
• Have obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors
• Experience social anxiety or fear of judgment
• Struggle with perfectionism or harsh self-criticism
• Want a structured, evidence-based approach with measurable progress
• Prefer therapy that’s focused on practical skills and solutions

Ready to Change Your Thought Patterns?

Book your free 15-minute consultation to explore whether CBT fits your needs. We’ll discuss your current challenges, explain how CBT might help, and answer any questions about getting started.

Therapy with Empathy
Westboro, Ottawa | Virtual across Ontario
Bilingual services available (English/French)