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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has become a widely accepted and preferred treatment that is now considered by researchers to be the “gold standard” therapy for a variety of mental health issues.
Cognitive behavioural therapy works on the basis that how we interpret or perceive experiences, interactions, conversations in our life events, will affect our behaviour, our reaction or response, and most importantly, our feelings.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
According to Dr. Dadson, “CBT is based on a solid body of sound research. It shows that our thoughts interact with our feelings and can significantly shape our perceptions of ourselves, our moods, our beliefs, and our meaning-making process.”
There is little doubt that the way we language our thoughts and feelings plays a significant role in our ability to manage stress and our overall mental health,” concludes Dr. Mike Dadson.
Dr. Michael Dadson (Mike Dadson) points out, “There is an abundance of social media telling us our thoughts will change how we feel. In some cases, this is helpful, but not always clinically significant.”
Dr. Dadson also remarks, “A significant portion of CBT is about changing behaviours.”
When a person is depressed, there is usually a presence of negative beliefs, self-image and self-talk. Often these thoughts and self-talk are never directed at anyone else, and are just an expression of our own inner critic.
How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy work?
Dr. Mike Dadson explains negative self-talk:
“It is not uncommon for us to call ourselves names such as ‘stupid,’ ‘idiot,’ ‘loser,’ ‘ugly,’ ‘fat,’ ‘a failure,’ or something similar.
“We have a relationship with ourselves that we would never consider acceptable with anyone else, but this is a relationship like no other because wherever we go, there we are. We are always with ourselves and the way we relate to ourselves is the atmosphere of our life experience. It becomes so common, that we can be hardly aware of how it is affecting us in the background.
“Once we begin to experience feelings of anxiety over our negative thoughts, we also have physiological reactions such as increased heart rate and can experience a sort of mental shut down or an inability to process information, or even function.”
Dr. Michael Dadson explains, “Nobody wants to feel this way, nor should they. A portion of the CBT process is focused on retraining negative thought patterns which in turn affect moods, emotions and behaviours.”
Commonly, unhealthy behaviours are either avoidant or compulsive.
Dr. Michael Dadson provides examples of avoidant behaviours such as avoiding going out and avoiding seeing friends or family, becoming isolated, or procrastination.
Compulsive thoughts or behaviours focus on a repetition of thoughts and cognitive loops or being unable to keep from repetitive behaviour such as consuming too much alcohol, over-exercising, excessive washing or binge eating.
“Avoidance can also become dysfunctional,” says Dr. Dadson. “’Dysfunctional’ just means the behaviour or thoughts are ineffective or even counterproductive and dangerous.”
Dr. Michael Dadson notes, “It can numb your feelings, and this can just reinforce unpleasant feelings while shutting down pleasant ones. With the cognitive behavioural therapy process, you are involved in setting the goals necessary to address the specific issue you are facing.”
Due to the volume of research and significance findings, Dr. Mike Dadson observes “CBT” as a front-line treatment for many mental health issues” including depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
Review these 4 links for more information on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Post Traumatic StressDisorder | American Psychological Association
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mayo Clinic
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Wikipedia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Review these 2 videos for more information on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Individual
One on one options for individuals needing help in overcoming issues or maintaining optimal mental health in their lives daily challenges.
Couples
Couples counselling can be challenging but the positive impact on your relationship, potential family members, and other external relationships in your life make it worth the effort.
Family
Father and child or entire family counselling can provide your family with the tools, language and behaviour to successfully communicate and overcome obstacles.
Veterans
Dr. Michael Dadson offers treatment for veterans who experienced a military-related trauma that is negatively impacting their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours using our online booking forms. Alternatively, I can be reached in my office at 778-554-0174 to book an appointment.
Dr. Michael Dadson’s counselling session is $175/hr taxes included (50 minute hour).
Various forms of financial assistance can be found here.
Neurofeedback Session Fees:
Individual sessions-$120/hr plus taxes (50 minute hour)
Couples session rates are $175/hr plus taxes (50 minute hour)
Dr. Michael Dadson continues to help a full range of diverse individuals, couples, and families overcome stress, depression, anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, adjustment issues and developmental attachment injuries. Dr. Dadson’s publications in the areas of trauma and PTSD recovery, dissociation identity disorder (DID), and father and son relationships, can be found under the “Publications” Section above.
For a full list of Dr. Mike Dadson’s areas of expertise, please visit the “Our Expertise” section above.
Dr. Michael Dadson adheres to the code of ethics as set out by the Canadian Association of Clinical Counsellors and Psychotherapy (CCC) Association.
Counselling sessions are confidential. However as noted in section B, counselling and therapy responsibilities of the CCC, exceptions include when a need is presented to prevent defined and immediate danger to a client or others, or when a court orders disclosure.
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapeutic, intervention treatment method that assists you to consciously control your brain wave patterns.
Click here for more information on Neurofeedback.
The result of neurofeedback treatment can be greater relaxation, a sense of ease and emotional resilience. Among other neurological and mental health issues, Neurofeedback has been used in the treatment of ADHD, trauma and PTSD recovery, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, ASD, insomnia and drug addiction (Larson, S 2006).
Low energy neurofeedback system (LENS) is safe and effective neurofeedback therapy. In contrast to traditional neurofeedback (requiring your involvement in retraining your brain), the LENS software does all the work to remove blockages that may be causing your symptoms.
A neurofeedback session will take between 45 minutes to 60 minutes.
The Neurofeedback process is based on the needs and goals of individual clients.
Your therapist or counsellor will discuss the number of recommended sessions with you based on your needs and treatment goals.