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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Starting Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.

What does a cognitive behavioral therapist do?

Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.

What is CBT best for?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.

How much does a CBT session cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, meaning many of our clients only pay a small $0-$50 co-pay. However, we have self-pay options, too. For those out-of-network, our therapy and psychiatry services are around $200, depending on the service and location.

What is the success rate of CBT?

The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).

What\'s better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Is CBT conducted in person or online?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in Buffalo, NY is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is CBT?

Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.

Need more help deciding?

Let’s imagine a scenario we’ve probably all experienced at some point in our lives:

“I’m running late to work. The alarm didn’t go off, I’ve already spilt the coffee, and I just knew I shouldn’t have watched ‘one more’ Netflix episode last night. I can never resist one more. In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, I don’t have much discipline at all! And now, if I don’t get to work on time, I’ll get fired, and won’t be able to pay the bills, and that’s just one step away from homeless. I really should’ve gone to bed earlier.

“On the way out the door, I grab the project I’ve been working on for ages. It’s just the way my boss wanted it, but that doesn’t matter now since I’m late for work. They’re going to be so disappointed when I walk in late…”

Sound familiar? Nearly every one of those sentences contains a cognitive distortion. They’re common thinking patterns that wreak havoc on our mental health and general satisfaction with life. Left unchecked, they can snowball and convince us that we’re worthless, bound for a disaster at any moment, and should just give up already.

That’s no way to live! Fortunately, you don’t have to live like that anymore. The counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY are trained in a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapeutic approach meant to attack the negative and destructive thoughts and thinking patterns that can occur in everyone’s day-to-day life and constitute the foundation of many mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Good For?

Stephen Covey wrote the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He believes that humans have the ability “to choose, to respond [and] to change”. Cognitive distortions often will take away your power to do that. They lie and claim you don’t have a choice, that it’s too late to respond and you are forever stuck as you are.

The licensed mental health providers at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY know how hard it can be to break free from this cognitive distortion cycle. It’s so easy to begin “spiraling” and lose hope and your sense of control. CBT gives you back the control and hope by stopping those negative thoughts in their tracks. Thoughts and emotions often lead to behavior. CBT can help you live the life of your choosing, instead of the life shown to you through negative thoughts.

There are more cognitive distortions than we can list here, but here are a few of the more common ones:

  • Should statements: “I should do this…” “Should-ing” tells you that what you’re doing isn’t enough, and you have to do this other thing to be better.
  • Catastrophizing: In the example above, catastrophizing would be thinking you will be homeless because you were late to work. It is blowing things out of proportion.
  • All-or-nothing thinking: Similar to catastrophizing, this type of distortion makes people think in black or white. “I didn’t go to the gym last night, so my whole workout routine is done for.”
  • Emotional reasoning: “I feel dumb, so I am dumb”. Your feelings are always valid; the thoughts that come from those feelings aren’t always so! Just because you feel one way doesn’t mean you are that way.
  • Mind reading: Thinking you know someone’s thoughts or feelings. Walking in late and thinking your boss is disappointed in you is an example of mind reading.

There are countless other distortions, and you probably have a few unique to you. None of them are too hard or controlling that the counselors, psychiatrists, therapists, and other qualified mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY can’t help you get past them. Sometimes cognitive distortions can stand on their own, but other times they can escalate into something worse. CBT can be crucial in overcoming many struggles, including but not limited to:

  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Insomnia
  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Depression
  • Addictions
  • Self-harm
  • Relationship issues

CBT can help with practically anything you are struggling with! The counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY are trained in this evidence-based technique to give you the best possible results.

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

CBT works to recognize a destructive thought, strip it of its power, and then replace it. It focuses on self-awareness and gives power back to you. In a CBT session, you will work closely with a counselor at identifying negative thinking behaviors. Then, you will determine strategies to stop that pattern and replace it with a positive thought. It sounds simple, but is much harder to do in practice. That’s why the counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY are there to help you every step of the way.

Schedule a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Session at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY

Your thoughts don’t have to control you. CBT helps you realize that you have control over them. If you are ready to regain control, call and schedule an appointment with us today. Thriveworks providers in Buffalo, NY can meet with new clients quickly–usually within 24-48 hours of their initial booking. Thriveworks also accepts most major health insurance plans, helping to keep therapy affordable and accessible. Thriveworks members can reach out to their provider by phone or email between sessions. Call the Buffalo office today to find out more about Thriveworks benefits and get matched to a certified CBT provider.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Buffalo therapists and counselors accept 16 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Martins Point (US Family Health Plans)

  • Multi Plan PHCS

  • Oscar Health

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Self-pay costs at Buffalo
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Thriveworks Buffalo reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Jennifer balances her counseling expertly between talking/educating and listening. I already trust her after just a handful of sessions thanks to her objective feedback and concern. If you need a skilled mental health professional to help guide you thru life’s challenges, you will not be disappointed in Jennifer.
Read more Jennifer balances her counseling expertly between talking/educating and listening. I already trust her after just a handful of sessions thanks to her objective feedback and concern. If you need a skilled mental health professional to help guide you thru life’s challenges, you will not be disappointed in Jennifer.
Buffalo Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Wendy has been seeing my wife and I for almost two and half years. Her insights into how we both viewed our marriage so differently ultimately helped us both see that we are not the right people for one another. We have unfortunately decided that divorce was the right path forward for us as individuals but counseling made it a healthy, productive journey instead of letting things just fall apart at home. She is now my personal therapist helping me deal with the loss of my marriage. I don’t just appreciate our sessions, but I look forward to them. I take notes and I learn a lot about myself and my growth every time we meet.
Read more Wendy has been seeing my wife and I for almost two and half years. Her insights into how we both viewed our marriage so differently ultimately helped us both see that we are not the right people for one another. We have unfortunately decided that divorce was the right path forward for us as individuals but counseling made it a healthy, productive journey instead of letting things just fall apart at home. She is now my personal therapist helping me deal with the loss of my marriage. I don’t just appreciate our sessions, but I look forward to them. I take notes and I learn a lot about myself and my growth every time we meet.
Buffalo Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was looking for a new therapist for my teenage son and came across their website. I called to see how long of a waitlist they had, expecting there to be a waitlist. ThriveWorks got my son in within 24 hours! Incredible! My son found a great therapist at ThriveWorks, Mr.Stephen Obrien. This guy has a unique approach and it works for my son. My son actually WANTS to go to therapy. He's getting more out of his sessions than either of us could have hoped for. We found this place at the right time and we couldn't be happier.
Read more I was looking for a new therapist for my teenage son and came across their website. I called to see how long of a waitlist they had, expecting there to be a waitlist. ThriveWorks got my son in within 24 hours! Incredible! My son found a great therapist at ThriveWorks, Mr.Stephen Obrien. This guy has a unique approach and it works for my son. My son actually WANTS to go to therapy. He's getting more out of his sessions than either of us could have hoped for. We found this place at the right time and we couldn't be happier.
Buffalo Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Had circumstances that made me very unhappy. My therapist Cheryl gave me great coping skills. The appointments were easy to get and the office was bright and inviting. I would recommend Thriveworks to my friends and family.
Read more Had circumstances that made me very unhappy. My therapist Cheryl gave me great coping skills. The appointments were easy to get and the office was bright and inviting. I would recommend Thriveworks to my friends and family.
Buffalo Feb 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Buffalo is located at 1120 Youngs Rd Suite 300, Buffalo, New York 14221, near Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

Phone number

(716) 453-2877

Languages spoken by NY providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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