Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Understanding the approach

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy explores how situations, thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and actions influence one another. With a therapist, you may notice automatic assumptions, test their accuracy, and practice different responses. CBT is not about forcing positive thinking or dismissing painful experiences. It combines a collaborative relationship with shared goals and practical learning. Depending on your concerns, work might include activity planning, problem-solving, communication practice, or gradual steps toward situations you avoid. These strategies should be tailored to you rather than treated as a rigid formula.

What this approach may help you build

Benefits depend on your needs, the treatment plan, and the fit with your clinician. These are possible goals, not promised outcomes.

• 01

  Recognize thought-and-behavior cycles that keep distress going.

• 02

  Build practical ways to respond to worry and difficult emotions.

• 03

  Approach avoided situations gradually when clinically appropriate.

• 04

  Practice skills you can use outside sessions.

What sessions may look like

A therapist may help you map a recent situation: what happened, what you thought, how you felt, and what you did next. Together, you can explore another interpretation or response and try a small experiment. Between-session practice might include a brief journal, a worksheet, or a planned activity. If an assignment feels overwhelming, you can adjust it together. Reviewing progress helps determine whether to keep going, change the focus, or consider another approach.

At Spark Wellness, care is provided through telehealth for clients in New York State. Your therapist can explain how the approach is used in your specific treatment plan.

Is this a good fit for you?

CBT may appeal to you if you want a collaborative, skills-focused approach to concerns such as anxiety, depression, or stress. Participation and practice matter, but the work should respect your circumstances, culture, and capacity. Assessment helps identify the best approach for your needs.

People behind the approach

Explore our team

9 therapist profiles list this approach, with 1 additional leadership/supervisor profile.

This count comes from the current public roster, not a measure of certification, session availability, or program capacity. Ask our client care team about appropriate matching. Leadership and supervisors are not offered as booking choices.

Jamie TorneyClinical SupervisorLeadership / SupervisorView team profile →Taylor KennedyLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Brooke MartinezLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Genie KnollerLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Amilinda RiveraMaster Social WorkerView team profile →Amanda LugoLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Emily PeterLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Jadine MarshLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Emma ByrnesLicensed Master Social WorkerView team profile →Elizabeth GomesLicensed Master Social Worker · CASAC-TView team profile →

Common questions about CBT