What is Cognitive Therapy?

Cognitive Therapy is a research-based treatment proven effective for depression, but also proven effective for a number of different psychiatric disorders (panic disorder, social phobia, etc.) The basic concept behind this theory is that it's not the things that happen to us that cause us to be depressed, anxious or angry, but rather that our negative, unrealistic, and biased thinking cause us to be depressed, or anxious or angry ABOUT the situation.

Cognitive therapy looks at different components of a problem (external stressors, biology, behavior, and thinking) but focuses on thinking as the most important element to target for change. The other components are not ignored, and are important, but because thought is the most important contributor to emotion, thinking is the primary target for change.

Schedule an appointment today

Arrange your counseling session through the scheduling service at 720-898-8712 or by calling Bonnie directly at 720-488-3822.

What will you learn in therapy? In therapy you will learn to identify your automatic thoughts; you will learn about thinking errors or biases called cognitive distortions. You will be able to identify these errors in your thinking, learn to challenge your troubling thoughts and replace them with more adaptive, realistic, helpful thoughts. Bonnie uses a workbook in conjunction with written assignments and practice as part of the therapy process.

Cognitive Therapy Can Help you

Cognitive therapy with a professional counselor can help if you are experiencing these mental health issues:

• Depression

• Panic disorder

• Social phobia

• Anger management challenges

• Anxiety (also see Denver anxiety group

• Grief

• Addiction