Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Covered by OHIP?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is covered by OHIP, however there are often lengthy waitlists to attend individual or group therapy in an inpatient or community mental health setting.

The good news is that most extended health benefits do cover counselling services provided by a registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW). I encourage you to check in with your insurance provider to determine your eligibility and rates for coverage. It is also worth noting that counselling services provided by registered social workers are recognized as an income tax-deductible medical expense by Revenue Canada.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, structured approach that helps individuals develop an understanding of the connection between thoughts and feelings and how that connection influences behaviours and sustains difficulties in one’s life. 

The goal of CBT is to help you challenge patterns of thinking, unhelpful thoughts, belief systems (core beliefs), and physiological sensations in the body that impact your reactions.  CBT is used in psychotherapy to assist individuals in dealing with a wide variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, substance abuse, anger, relationship challenges, chronic pain and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  

CBT is based upon the premise that it is not the event that leads to difficult feelings, but it is the interpretation of the situation or the meaning given to that experience. Treatment is collaborative between client and therapist and emphasizes skill building. Homework is given to the client between sessions to assist in developing new skills.

Retrain Your Brain Through New Habits

CBT is focused on achieving specific goals through a hands-on and practical approach to problem solving

How does CBT work?

With the help of a therapist, you will learn to understand that your thoughts have the power to influence your emotions and behaviours. You will be assisted in understanding that your perception often involves thoughts that are not accurate or unhelpful. With guidance, you will begin to understand that changes in the way you think and behave can reduce psychological symptoms and distress.

Likewise, with CBT you will learn that your behaviour can affect the way we think and feel.  Through CBT, you will be helped to understand that by limiting self-destructive coping strategies and implementing healthier ones, you will experience an improvement in your psychological wellness.

 

How can CBT be helpful?

The process of helping individuals re-evaluate thinking begins by having clients identify negative automatic thoughts. Once negative thoughts have been identified, the goal is to work towards challenging negative thoughts; first by evaluating the evidence that gives credence to the thoughts. Once the negative thoughts have been identified and then evaluated for accuracy and truthfulness, the individual is helped to work on more balanced/realistic thoughts.

Examining common "Mind Traps” (ex. catastrophizing, all-or nothing, fortune-telling, mind reading, predicting the future) are also identified to assist individuals to understand patterns of thinking one might fall into. Overtime time, CBT techniques are implemented to assist individuals to further explore Core Beliefs (ex. I am unlovable, I am worthless, I am a failure) that may be negatively impacting how they see themselves, others and the world around them. The goal is to help individuals work on reshaping these beliefs (ex. I am lovable, I am worthy, I am successful) to be more accurate and healthy in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

CBT can be beneficial in overcoming negative thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours related to many mental health issues.  With the support and guidance of a trained therapist, and an individual’s willingness to work toward implementing and practicing the CBT tools and techniques consistently, it is possible for change to happen.

 If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

-Wayne Dyer

Welcome!

I’m Corinne Teahen~a therapist located in Victoria, BC who provides a safe environment to be heard with the attention you need and the tools to make the changes you desire. I’m passionate about holistic health, listening to the intelligence of your body, living life to the fullest, and helping you to heal, grow, and thrive. I am a registered social worker offering individual counselling in a virtual/online format.

If you would like to find out more information about the services I offer, please visit my website at Corinne Teahen Integrated Healing . You have the option to book an individual therapy session or complimentary consultation online.

Feel feel to contact me by email : contact@corinneteahenintegratedhealing.com