Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is not a single treatment but a family of approaches that emphasizes the interaction of thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It is essentially a form of talk therapy and, as such, operates at the cognitive level but impacts on emotions and behaviour as well as thoughts. Its experiential component comes from self-monitoring of thoughts and emotions and from implementing behavioural experiments and observing their outcomes.
The particular approach taken by Dr. McAllister is based on “Third Wave” CBT therapies: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Behavioural Activation, Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma, Metacognitive Therapy, and Rumination-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. One of the main things that distinguishes these therapies from classical CBT and cognitive therapy is a more cautious use of “thought challenging” and content-oriented interventions and a greater emphasis on developing skills that address the core processes that perpetuate mental suffering. We adapt strategies from these innovative therapies to fit your individual needs.
All members of the team are skilled in the use of evidence-based treatments such as CBT and its Third-Wave variants.