York Region CBT Blog

Working with Productive Worries: Get Unstuck!

August 6, 2024

Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych   Now that we have discussed ways of working with unproductive worries, it can be helpful to shift gears and discuss skills that are helpful for managing productive worries, otherwise known as life’s real “problems”.  Research shows that people who worry excessively are more likely than people who worry less to…

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Mastering Decision-Making: Balancing Logic and Emotion

June 13, 2024

Cristian Chereches, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist   Making decisions is a fundamental aspect of human life, and understanding the dynamics between logical reasoning and emotional influence can enhance the quality of our choices. While conscious decisions are usually rooted in logical analysis, emotional decisions often stem from temporary feelings and urgent impulses. Here is a closer…

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I Can’t Stop Worrying! … Or Can I?

May 8, 2024

Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych   As a therapist who has spent several years working in a hospital-based anxiety clinic, and over a decade in private practice, I have heard clients say “I can’t stop worrying” or “I can’t help worrying” thousands of times.  Research shows that people who worry excessively tend to hold a number…

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15 Lesser-Known Facts about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

April 25, 2024

Cristian Chereches. MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist   Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) stands as a multifaceted mental health challenge, impacting millions globally. While some aspects of OCD are commonly understood, there are lesser-known facets that stand proof of the intricacies of this condition. Here, we unveil 15 lesser-known facts about OCD.   The prevalence of diagnosed OCD in…

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Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: A Modern Approach to Overcoming Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder

March 20, 2024

Cristian Chereches, RSW, Psychotherapist   Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: A Modern Approach to Overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. Traditional methods of treatment, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and medication, have proven…

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Conceptual Knowledge and Treatment

March 14, 2024

Cristian Chereches, RSW, Psychotherapist   What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are intended to reduce anxiety. OCD can significantly impact a person’s daily life and can be extremely distressing, but…

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Everyday Mental Health Series: Working with Worry

February 1, 2024

Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych    Now that we’ve covered some basics with regard to the relationship between our thoughts and feelings , and some of the types of thoughts that underlie anxiety and depression, let’s discuss a specific, chronic pattern of thinking that is associated with anxiety-namely worry.   Worry is something we all do. …

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We Are What We Think

January 10, 2024

Dr. Aline Strong, C.Psych    One of the basic principles of CBT is that our thinking has a significant impact on our mood. The ways in which we interpret our situations and perceive ourselves and others can influence how we feel. Imagine, for example, that I send a text to a friend and don’t get…

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Blog Series: Everyday Mental Health: Harnessing the Power of Our Thoughts

November 22, 2023

Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych    Welcome to the next set of articles in the Everyday Mental Health Series, Harnessing the Power of Our Thoughts.  You may have already read the first articles in this series on planning.  In these articles we discussed the ways that the deliberate and thoughtful planning can not only help us…

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Blog Series: Everyday Mental Health: Universal Truth #1 Planning Your Life is Essential to Mental Health

October 31, 2023

Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych   If you’ve been reading the planning series (articles 1 to 3), you’ve learned about a foundational habit that we review with most of our clients- Planning.  You’ve learned that detailed planning of tasks and goals is not just for achievement purposes, but that the process has other mental health benefits. …

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