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Therapy Types

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

One of the most well-researched approaches in psychology: helping children and teens understand how their thoughts shape their feelings and actions.

The Connection Between Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviour

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and well-supported approaches in psychotherapy, with research supporting its effectiveness for a range of concerns.

For children and teens, CBT is adapted to be engaging and developmentally appropriate. Rather than focusing only on insight or understanding, CBT is practical and skill-focused: giving young people real tools they can use outside of sessions.

CBT is particularly effective for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger management, and ADHD-related challenges. At Little Waves, CBT is often combined with other approaches to best meet the needs of each child or teen.

CBT teaches children and teens that they don't have to be controlled by their thoughts. Instead, they can learn to notice, question, and respond to them differently.

◈ In Practice

How CBT Works in Sessions

1
Identify Unhelpful Thoughts
Children and teens learn to notice the automatic thoughts that arise in difficult situations: the inner voice that says 'I can't do this' or 'everyone is judging me.'
2
Examine the Evidence
Together, we look at whether those thoughts are accurate, balanced, or helpful: questioning assumptions and looking for alternative explanations.
3
Build New Responses
Developing more realistic, balanced ways of thinking that reduce emotional distress and open up new ways of responding to challenges.
4
Practice Real-World Skills
CBT is active and practical: between sessions, children and teens practice new skills in their daily lives, building confidence through experience.
Who May Benefit
  • Children and teens with anxiety or worry
  • Depression and low mood
  • Low self-esteem and negative self-talk
  • ADHD and impulse management
  • Anger and emotional dysregulation
  • School-related stress and avoidance
  • Perfectionism and fear of failure
↗ Explore Further
Therapy TypeACTA values-based companion to CBT.Learn more →
Therapy TypeDBTSkills-focused approach for emotional regulation.Learn more →
SpecializationAnxietyCBT is highly effective for childhood anxiety.Learn more →
SpecializationSelf-EsteemChallenging negative self-talk and building confidence.Learn more →

✦ Get Started

Ready to get started with CBT?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation for new clients: a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if we're the right fit.

Book a Free Consultation →

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