Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dr. Levin recommends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the best treatment for depression and anxiety.
• Research clearly shows that it is more effective than other forms of therapy for depression and anxiety. That’s why it’s called an evidence-based treatment.
• Dr, Levin studied CBT at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, the pre-eminent CBT training program in the world with Drs. Aaron T. Beck and Dr. Judy Beck. He is an accredited member of the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies

How does CBT work: The basis of CBT is that it is not a situation that causes an emotion or a behavioral reaction rather how you perceive that situation.

For example, two people are going through a difficult divorce. One person feels depressed and thinks, “My life is over – my kids will be scarred.” Another feels daunted by the enormity of the life change but hopeful. She thinks, “It’s time to regroup and rebuild. The children will be better off with two happy parents.”

Here is another illustration: two people are diagnosed with cancer. One feels depressed and thinks, “I am going to die.” The other feels cautiously optimistic and thinks, “In 2020, most cancer patients become survivors because we have incredible treatments and dedicated scientists. I have to figure out how to get the best care available and so that I can call myself a survivor.”

Thus, CBT tries to reframe distorted thoughts based on realistic data. These talkbacks then improve depression and anxiety symptoms. It really works!

What can I expect:

• An organized session with a clear agenda
• Challenges between sessions so that you can continue experimenting with new tools
• To write notes and keep logs because CBT is based on learning therapy
• Improvement by the 6th session and significant improvement by the 12th session
• To grow, find meaning and have fun learning about yourself