Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A practical way to look at thoughts, feelings, and the actions that follow them.
Starting the Conversation
What a First CBT Session Covers
A first CBT session with our therapists starts with talking about what brought you in, whether that is anxiety, depression, stress, or something else you want help with.
You can describe recent situations where a thought or feeling got in the way, and your therapist will ask questions to understand the pattern. There is no need to arrive with a tidy summary of the problem.
The Core Idea
How Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions Connect
CBT works from the idea that thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. A thought about a situation can shape how you feel, and how you feel can shape what you do next, sometimes in a way that keeps a difficult pattern going.
Your therapist helps you notice these connections as they come up in your own life, using examples from your week rather than abstract rules. You decide which situations are worth looking at closely together.
Building New Responses
Working Toward New Responses
Once a pattern becomes clearer, you and your therapist can talk through other ways of responding to the same situation. This might mean questioning a thought that feels automatic or trying a different action the next time a familiar feeling comes up.
You can return to a situation you discussed earlier and describe what happened when you tried a different response. The conversation can include what felt awkward, what was realistic, and what you want to consider next, without treating practice as a test.
Common Reasons People Use CBT
Concerns CBT Can Address
CBT is used for a range of concerns, and what you focus on depends on what is happening in your life.
- Anxiety and persistent or racing thoughts
- Depression and low motivation
- Stress related to work, school, or daily demands
- Unhelpful patterns in how you respond to setbacks
Optional Practice
Practice Between Sessions Is Optional
Some people find it useful to try noticing a thought pattern or practicing a new response between sessions, and your therapist can suggest ways to do that if it interests you.
Discuss between-session practice together rather than assume it is required. Your schedule, energy, and concerns can shape what is realistic. You can bring questions or observations back to the appointment even when a planned exercise did not happen.
Our CBT Care
Two Therapists Who Use CBT
A therapist on our team is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California License #120707, and CBT is among the approaches this clinician uses with clients in English and Spanish.
A therapist on our team is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144060. Registered associate. Provides services under the clinical supervision of a licensed clinician. Your therapist also uses CBT with clients working on anxiety, depression, and stress.
Where We Meet
Sessions in Brentwood or by Video
For CBT, meet at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 230, Brentwood, CA 94513, or by video while in California. Bring a recent example from home, school, or work that you want to examine with our therapists.
Session fees are shared during your free consultation. CBT appointments can be paid for using major credit cards as well as FSA or HSA cards. Cost questions can be part of planning individual CBT sessions.
Next Step
Ask About a Free Phone Consultation
Call (925) 331-0457 for a free 15-minute phone consultation about individual therapy using CBT. Email info@heartnmindcounseling.com for general appointment inquiries, not clinical details. Ask about working with our therapists and explain what scheduling questions you need answered.
Common Questions
Is Practice Between Sessions Required?
Discuss practice with your therapist. If it is useful, you can try an exercise between appointments and bring observations or questions back to the conversation.
Can I Ask About a Choice of Therapist?
During the consultation, ask which clinician is available for CBT and discuss your preference.
What Kinds of Concerns Does CBT Address?
CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress, along with patterns in how a person responds to setbacks.
