This is an umbrella term for a set of psychotherapeutic techniques that focus on thoughts and behaviours that can lead to problems, experimenting with new behaviours, as well as changing how one generally relates to their  experiences. CBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy shown to be effective for a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse. It is a time-limited, present-focused, and structured treatment.  For more information about CBT, click here.

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that was created to treat individuals who experience difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviours. It is a skills-based approach with the overarching goal of helping individuals create a life that feels worth living. The skills teach individuals to stay in the present moment, better tolerate distress and get through difficult situations without making them worse, replace harmful behaviours (e.g., self-harm) with more effective ones, better understand and manage their emotions, and improve their relationships and communication skills. For more information about DBT, click here.

Mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques and practices are incorporated into CBT, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These strategies involve staying in the present moment, on purpose, and without judgment. They teach you to be aware of your present-moment experiences (thoughts, emotions) without judging or reacting to them, or becoming overwhelmed by them. By staying in the present moment and accepting the experience as it is, we are often able to let go of the past and stop worrying about the future, which allows us to more fully experience the present and move toward our goals/values. These strategies have been shown to be helpful for a range of medical and psychological conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, stress, and depression. For more information about mindfulness, click here. For more information about ACT, click here.