Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy — often called CBT — is one of the most well-researched and effective forms of therapy available today.
It’s an evidence-based approach, meaning it’s been shown through decades of research to help people reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress — and create lasting change in how they think, feel, and live.
How CBT works
CBT helps us understand the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Often, the way we interpret situations — even unconsciously — can shape how we feel and respond. CBT teaches you how to recognize these patterns and gently shift them, so you can feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of your reactions. In therapy, we explore how your thoughts influence your emotions, how emotions affect your actions, and how changing one part of this cycle can bring balance to the others.
CBT helps you build awareness, flexibility, and choice — so you can respond rather than react.
Components of CBT
CBT isn’t a single technique — it’s a framework that can include several types of evidence-based methods, depending on what you’re working through.
For example, therapy might include:
- Cognitive strategies: identifying unhelpful thought patterns and learning to challenge or reframe them
- Behavioral strategies: gradually facing avoided situations (exposure work) or building new, healthier habits
- Action-based work: setting goals and practicing new skills between sessions
- Mindfulness and acceptance tools: helping you stay grounded in the present moment
I tailor these approaches to your needs — drawing from CBT-based interventions for anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges as appropriate.
What makes CBT So Effective
CBT works because it helps you understand why you feel the way you do — and gives you tools you can use every day, rather just insight. Clients often appreciate CBT because it’s structured, collaborative, and practical.
You gain both understanding and direction, helping you move from awareness to meaningful change.
Find Your Balance at Holistic CBT
What makes my Approach Holistic
While my approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I also recognize that healing involves more than just the mind. That’s where the holistic element of my approach comes in.
Traditional CBT focuses primarily on cognition, emotion, and behavior, while many holistic approaches emphasize the mind–body connection but may not always use structured, evidence-based methods. My approach brings these two worlds together — blending the scientific foundation of CBT with the restorative practices of holistic care.
In addition to cognitive and behavioral strategies, I integrate:
Somatic awareness — tuning into the body’s signals to understand how stress, anxiety, or trauma are held physically.
Mindfulness and meditation — helping clients anchor in the present moment and develop self-compassion.
Breathwork — calming the nervous system and restoring inner balance.
Grounding and visualization exercises —reconnecting mind and body through sensory awareness.
Yoga-informed movement — releasing tension and supporting embodied healing.
Self-compassion and guided imagery — fostering emotional safety and inner kindness.
This integrative style allows therapy to reach both the mind and the body — helping clients not only change how they think, but also how they feel and live.
Holistic CBT helps bridge awareness and embodiment — pairing evidence-based tools with mindful, compassionate healing for the whole self.
