Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the predominant forms of psychotherapy today. The focus of this therapy is to effect changes in behavior as quickly as possible. This is accomplished through the therapist teaching the client that how the client thinks about a problem or stressful situation has a dramatic impact on their emotional reaction and subsequent behavioral response.

People often respond not to the reality of a situation but rather to their perception of the reality. All of us have had the experience of expecting the worst from a situation only to discover after being miserable for weeks or months that things were not as bad as we thought. Even though this approach sounds very direct and rational the relationship between client and therapist remains an essential component.

Having a therapist who is sensitive, caring and who only moves as fast as the client feels comfortable is essential. No one likes to be lectured at and told what to do. We at ILS follow the golden rule of treating our clients as we would like to be treated.