York Region CBT Blog
Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and care when life feels difficult. Instead of responding to mistakes, failures, or stress with harsh self-criticism, self-compassion invites a different response—one rooted in patience and support. In simple terms, it means relating to yourself the way you might respond to a close…
Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych Most people worry about their health at times. A new ache, an unfamiliar sensation, or a lingering symptom can naturally cause concern. But for some people, these worries do not fade after reassurance or normal medical results. Instead, the fear keeps coming back, often stronger than before. If this sounds…
Cristian Chereches. MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist What are BFRBs ? BFRBs, or “Body-focused, repetitive behaviours”, are repetitive behaviors directed toward the body (hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, cheek biting, etc.) that cause damage or distress, and that the person has usually tried to stop doing many times over many years. (ADAA) BFRB’s often have…
Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when the world around you continues to move forward. The holidays, family gatherings, or even everyday moments can bring reminders of the person you’ve lost. During these times, it’s easy to feel isolated in your pain. At York Region CBT, we understand that grief looks…
Dr. Amanda Beaman, C.Psych Do you struggle with insomnia? You’re not alone. Many people face persistent sleep difficulties, and while medication can sometimes offer temporary relief, it is not always the best long-term solution. Fortunately, there is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that doesn’t rely on medication—Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). How Effective…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…