CBT for Children
Stress, anxiety, and sadness are emotions which affect us all, even children.
If you notice that these emotions become overwhelming for your child and begin affecting areas of their life, it is important to ask for help.
CBT for children can help your child understand how certain thoughts can affect their emotions and behaviour.
At the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre, We work with individuals ages 6 and up.
What is CBT for Children?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to help children recognize and manage negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
At its core, CBT is based on the idea that how we think affects how we feel—and in turn, how we act. For example, if a child feels anxious about going to school, those anxious thoughts can shape how they behave and what kind of day they have. By learning to reframe their thoughts, children can start to shift how they feel and respond in everyday situations.
CBT is especially effective for children who are struggling with:
- Disruptive behaviour (e.g., tantrums)
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Bullying
- Trauma
Through CBT, children learn to identify unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more constructive ones. Over time, this helps them build emotional resilience and gain better control over their responses.
With CBT, children are empowered to:
- Build a more positive self-image
- Improve self-regulation and self-control
- Strengthen problem-solving skills
CBT breaks challenges down into manageable steps and gives your child practical tools they can use both now and in the future. Research shows that children who develop these skills through CBT are up to 60% less likely to experience ongoing mental health issues later in life.
How is CBT Structured?
CBT is a short-term therapy that takes place over a series of 8-16 sessions. It is usually reserved for children ages six and up and can be customized to suit your child’s needs.
During the first session, the parents or legal guardian will be asked to join the session. Time will be spent with you and your child to get a better understanding of the presenting problem. Over the next few sessions, your child will learn how to change negative thought patterns into more positive ones, engaging in coping mechanisms to handle stressful situations independently. You will be asked to join your child’s sessions from time to time so that you can get a better understanding of how you can help your child and receive feedback on your child’s progress.
Our therapists will work with your child to teach them skills that they can put into practice.
Customizing Your Child’s CBT Approach
At the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre, we understand that your child is unique. We customize each CBT approach based on your child’s experiences and developmental age, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. We carefully introduce them to psychological solutions, ensuring all materials covered are age-appropriate.
It is important for us to meet your child where they are. Therefore, the earliest part of the cognitive behavioural therapy treatment is getting to know your child and their individual needs. This part of the therapy is vital as it allows us to focus on specific triggers and help your child navigate areas of life that affect them personally.
Contact the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre
If you are interested in learning more about CBT for children, the Cognitive & Interpersonal Therapy Centre is here to help. We invite you to reach out through our contact page or by calling 647-508-2020.
We Are Here to Help!
Schedule a call with one of our health care coordinators to answer your questions and help you find the best solutions for you and your loved ones!.
