Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Colorado Springs, CO

Kayla: My go-to approach for helping people in cognitive behavioral therapy is identifying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I find the best benefit when clients are able to acknowledge their own emotions and feelings because it brings self-awareness to how they interact with others and turns the focus inward.

Evan: My approach to cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on helping clients develop insight into how their thoughts influence their emotional and behavioral responses. I take a collaborative and curious stance, guiding clients to identify the patterns that are keeping them stuck and empowering them to experiment with new ways of thinking and responding. Rather than challenging thoughts too quickly, I help clients slow down and observe their internal dialogue with awareness and compassion. When clients feel safe enough to explore their beliefs without judgment, they begin to uncover more flexible, helpful perspectives. CBT becomes not just a tool for symptom reduction, but a framework for building resilience and clarity.

Kayla: In my office, I have a feelings wheel identification pillow available for my client to help develop a larger vocabulary for their emotions.

Evan: In CBT, I teach clients how to build awareness around their thinking patterns and how those patterns influence mood and behavior. We begin by learning how to slow down and notice automatic thoughts, especially those that fuel anxiety, shame, or hopelessness. From there, we work on developing the skill of perspective-taking; learning how to question assumptions, gather evidence, and consider more balanced alternatives. We practice translating these insights into small, consistent behavioral changes that align with the client’s goals. Time is also spent strengthening self-talk, addressing common cognitive distortions such as all-or-nothing thinking and catastrophizing, and identifying themes in how clients relate to themselves and others. The goal is not just symptom relief but long-term change grounded in greater awareness, flexibility, and self-compassion.

Kayla: I know a client is making meaningful progress when they report improved mood and functioning. This means a reduction in symptoms related to their specific issue, such as decreased anxiety, depression, or stress. They also report improvements in their daily functioning and quality of life.

Evan: I recognize progress when clients begin responding to difficult situations with more intention and less reactivity. This often looks like catching negative thoughts before they spiral, choosing alternative behaviors, or expressing more self-compassion in the face of setbacks. Over time, clients tend to feel more empowered and capable of navigating challenges. When I hear them reflecting on past patterns with a new perspective or applying CBT tools without prompting, it is a clear sign that the work is becoming integrated.

Kayla: Clients can supplement their time in cognitive behavioral therapy by engaging in behavioral experiments. When clients are willing to step out of their comfort zone and engage in behavioral experiments to test the validity of their beliefs or assumptions, they demonstrate a willingness to try new behaviors and observe the outcomes without judgment.

Evan: Clients can reinforce the benefits of CBT by practicing the tools consistently outside of sessions. This might include writing down thoughts, using worksheets to examine beliefs, or scheduling small tasks that promote structure and joy. Reflecting on how they applied a skill or handled a difficult moment can also build confidence. Daily awareness of thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behavioral choices creates space for change and supports long-term growth.

Kayla: To prepare for their first cognitive behavioral therapy session, an individual can clarify goals and expectations. Take some time to reflect on what specific issues or concerns they want to address in therapy and what they hope to achieve. Setting clear goals can help guide the therapy process.

Evan: To prepare for the first CBT session, it can be helpful to think about a few specific challenges or goals. There is no need to arrive with a full understanding of your patterns, but being open to noticing and working with them is key. CBT is active and collaborative, and it works best when clients are willing to try new approaches and reflect on what they learn. Bringing honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to show up as you are is more than enough to begin.