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How does Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) work?

50+ Providers Matched
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Tamara Oppliger

Clinical Psychologist

How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?

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Laurie Schmit

LCSW
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
CBT helps you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, or self-doubt, and replace them with healthier, more balanced ways of thinking and responding. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, giving you tools you can use in everyday life to build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and create lasting change.
Being heard and understood is important. It’s difficult to trust your counselor or make progress if that's absent. All therapists have skills and knowledge, but who do you trust? I offer a free phone consult so you can gain a sense of who I am before committing to therapy. This is important work, which means you get to choose the best fit for you. Having worked as a therapist for almost 20 years now, I consistently receive feedback that I have a warm, calming presence. Therapy can be heavy; creativity, fun, and play are also important to healing. My style is compassionate & collaborative. I've worked extensively with busy professionals, especially in the medical and mental health fields. What makes you unique is that you are invested in self-improvement, balance, and connection. You are not here by mistake. We sometimes know what to do but need help taking steps and creating the safety to remove barriers. Then you have freedom to take charge of your life-go from surviving to thriving!
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Saveen Sundrani

LCSW
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Often, when someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout, they may develop thought patterns that feel automatic, such as “I’m not good enough,” “I have to handle everything alone,” or “Something bad will happen.” In CBT, we gently identify these patterns and explore how they affect your mood, choices, relationships, and sense of self. From there, we work on building healthier, more balanced ways of thinking and responding. CBT can help clients feel more in control of their emotions, reduce negative self-talk, manage anxiety and depression, and develop practical coping strategies. When used in a trauma-informed way, CBT is not about forcing positivity. It is about helping you understand your inner world more clearly and giving you tools to move through life with more confidence and stability.
Saveen is a South Asian woman and therapist of color. She knows how hard it is to hold pain that’s invisible to others, especially when it’s wrapped in cultural expectations and generational patterns In therapy with Saveen, you don’t have to hide or minimize your suffering. This will be a space where your pain is understood, and where we work together to help you find relief and start thriving. Saveen specializes in trauma therapy and is the founder of Rise Mental Health. She is passionate about helping people understand the deeper emotional patterns behind anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and relationship struggles so they can begin healing in a more lasting and meaningful way. Saveen integrates evidence-based approaches, including EMDR and trauma-focused therapy. In addition to her office in Duluth, GA, she offers virtual sessions.
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Micheal Gross

Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT)
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Often, unhelpful thought patterns can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or emotional distress. CBT helps identify these patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic, and supportive ways of thinking. In therapy, we work together to recognize triggers, challenge negative beliefs, develop healthier coping strategies, and practice new skills that can be applied in everyday life. CBT can be highly effective for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, stress, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues. By learning practical tools and gaining greater self-awareness, clients often experience improved emotional well-being, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of control over their lives.
I am an Associate Therapist with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. Much of my work has focused on adolescents and young adults impacted by domestic violence and sex trafficking, helping them navigate complex trauma and build safety, resilience, and a sense of control. My approach integrates trauma‑focused CBT, solution‑focused therapy, EFT, and narrative therapy, tailored to each client’s strengths, culture, and goals. As a mature clinician who returned to school later in life, I bring lived experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to creating a safe, respectful space where clients feel genuinely heard, seen, and valued.
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Kathleen Sutherland

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In sessions, we identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and explore alternative ways of thinking and responding. I use CBT in a flexible way rather than rigidly. It is not about forcing positive thinking, but about creating more balanced and helpful perspectives.
Dear future clients, I'm a bilingual therapist fluent in both English and Spanish, dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to Neurodivergent individuals (both Autism and ADHD), anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I create a warm and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their mental health journey. I also offer neurodivergent assessments and group counseling. I am supervised by Cassandra Holt Kimbell, LPCC- S 11336, at Freestyle Supervision and EMDR Group LLC. My approach is rooted in empathy and openness, tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I'm committed to helping individuals uncover their inner strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. If you're struggling with managing Autism or ADHD symptoms, anxiety and depression, or navigating significant life changes, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards a brighter tomorrow, where you feel empowered to overcome obstacles and live a more fulfilling life. Reach out today and take a step towards positive change.
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Maria Guevara Sequeda

Licensed Professional Counselor

How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?

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Rachael Conrad

Professional Counselor Candidate
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
Often times, how we look at things impacts how we respond to them. Seen Never Ending Story? Remember the Horse (Artax)? Yeah. I am here to get you out of the Swamp of Sadness. First you have to start changing your thought process. If you don't change the way you think about something, then you are going to continue to feel the way you feel which of course means the behaviors don't change. Artax didn't stop thinking the sad thoughts and sank (spoiler alert for those who weren't traumatized by this movie as children). The CBT triangle is something I often call upon as a visual in this journey. If you want to change how you feel, look at your behaviors and thoughts. Change your thoughts? Let's change some behavior with Behavioral Activation. Which (you probably guessed it) means your emotions are changed too.
I believe therapy is an adventure of self-discovery—an opportunity to explore your story and uncover your strengths. My approach is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT, SFBT, and Person-Centered Therapy, as well as Geek Therapy and the Hero’s Journey framework when it fits your interests. Whether you connect through fandoms like anime, video games, or tabletop RPGs, or prefer a more traditional approach, I meet you where you are. Together, we’ll navigate your challenges, build insight, and move toward a renewed sense of balance and purpose. Every hero’s journey is unique. I look forward to walking beside you as we navigate yours together.
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Mya Lacay-Mcneil

LCSW
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) work and how can it help?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Sometimes, unhelpful thought patterns can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, or low self-esteem. CBT helps clients recognize these patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges. In my practice, I adapt CBT to each client's developmental level and individual needs. With children and teens, I often incorporate engaging, age-appropriate activities to teach emotional awareness and coping skills, while also involving parents or caregivers when appropriate. CBT can help clients manage anxiety, improve emotional regulation, build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop practical tools they can use in everyday life.
Mya McNeil is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and families thrive. She believes every child deserves a safe, welcoming space where they feel heard, understood, and supported. Mya partners closely with children and their families to strengthen communication, build healthy coping skills, and foster emotional growth both in and outside of therapy. As an Afro-Latina therapist, Mya is committed to providing compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors each client's unique experiences and strengths. Her approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each individual's needs. She integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. In addition to her work with children, teens, and families, Mya also enjoys working with adults seeking support through life transitions, stress, anxiety, and personal growth.