PLAY THERAPY & PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES
Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected, working closely as we carry on with our lives.
If you think today will be a good day, you may feel excited and focused, wake up early and diligently tackle your to-do list. On the contrary, if you think today will be a bad day, you may feel nervous or irritated and decide to stay in bed instead.
Of course, this is only an example. As you grow older, you may form complex habits and practices around the connection between what you think, feel, and do. You may develop thought and emotional pathways, core values, and beliefs that inform your mindset and choices.
You or your child may start defaulting to negative self-talk and irrational thoughts. You may struggle with worry, fear, or panic. Or you might get overwhelmed by distressing emotions, feeling low, hopeless, and unmotivated to connect with others.
CBT ALLOWS YOU to CHALLENGE PATTERNS to IGNITE CHANGE at the ROOT.
Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT encourages you to create awareness, challenge, and shift your problematic habits to enjoy a better life.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy in New Jersey?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (also known as CBT) is an evidence-based treatment focused on helping individuals recognize and change negative thinking, emotional, and behavioral patterns to address challenges.
By understanding how your thoughts, feelings, and actions impact one another, you can begin to pinpoint distortions and explore alternative ways to perceive and navigate the world.
CBT can help individuals of any age, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. It is offered by a mental health professional who will meet with you or your child in a private space to talk and engage in different activities (e.g., play, journaling). You and your therapist will collaborate to examine your issues, unlearn negative habits, and learn practical strategies to use outside therapy.
Do I need CBT? Does my child need CBT?
How do you know if CBT is the right fit for you or your little one?
Let’s start with what’s troubling you.
According to research, CBT is an effective treatment for a variety of challenges, such as:
- Anger or aggression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Disordered eating or eating disorders
- Relationship difficulties
- Self-esteem issues
- Sleep problems or insomnia
- Stress
- Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- And more!
If you believe you or your kid are struggling with any of these problems, CBT can support you.
However, you don’t need to struggle or be in crisis to benefit from this treatment. CBT can also be an excellent option if you or your loved one are looking for skills to manage daily stressors and grow.
HOW can CBT in New Jersey help?
CBT is a structured treatment method that can help you or your child:
01
Become Aware
We’ll begin CBT by discussing what brought you or your kid here: symptoms, areas of concern, and what you hope to achieve. We’ll establish clear goals and start delving into the thoughts, feelings, and actions associated with your problems. This self-discovery process offers valuable insight into how you see yourself, interpret the world, and react to certain people and situations.
As we spend time together, we’ll help you identify inaccurate or unhelpful patterns and understand how they may impact your life. This includes distortions like overgeneralizing, mind-reading, taking excessive responsibility, black or white thinking, and forecasting events that haven’t happened.
Challenge Unhelpful Patterns
We will guide you to question those problematic patterns and reframe them with realistic and productive habits. For instance, we will encourage you to ask yourself: is this thought a fact or an irrational idea? With time, this can lead to healthier thought processes, routines, and emotional responses, while reducing distressing symptoms.
As you or your loved one start feeling better, you will gain motivation to keep working towards your goals and open up to different perspectives. While shifting old practices and beliefs can be difficult, please know we’ll be here to support you—especially when it gets tough.
02
03
Unlearn Rooted Behaviors + Learn Effective Strategies
CBT is not only about reframing thought patterns but about modifying behaviors at the root. We’ll help you unlearn behaviors that may not be serving you and teach you effective coping strategies to spark and sustain change.
We may ask you to complete exercises, read materials, or journal to reinforce treatment and practice your skills. These activities will be tailored to your unique situation and inspire you to keep showing up for yourself as you heal.
the LOVE PLAY GROW Approach
Look for STRENGTHS
We start by recognizing and celebrating the inherent strengths within each individual and family. Our therapists observe and identify the positive attributes, talents, and coping mechanisms that are already present.
Identify WEAKNESSES
Acknowledge and address challenges and weaknesses in a supportive and non-judgmental manner by creating a safe space for children and families to express their concerns and vulnerabilities.
Build SKILLS where it's HELPFUL
We work collaboratively with children and families to develop and enhance coping mechanisms, communication skills, and emotional regulation tools based on strengths & challenges.
Schedule your get started call today!
Where Love and Play Nurture Growth, Together, Through Every Stage of Life
GET STARTED with CBT
get started at love play grow
Schedule Get Started Call
15-20 min call to learn more about which service(s) would be best for you & your family.
Attend Initial Sessions
CBT starts with an initial meeting, where we get to know you and your child (if that’s the case) and establish treatment goals.
Following Sessions
Following sessions will involve meeting one-on-one with the client and may include caregivers or family members as needed. Sessions are generally scheduled weekly and last between 30 minutes to an hour.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in New Jersey at Love Play Grow
We offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to children, teens, and young adults living in New Jersey, including Wayne, Pequannock, Pompton Plains, Oakland, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Ridgewood, Kinnelon, Montville, and other nearby areas.
At Love Play Grow, we offer CBT with a creative spin! Our team incorporates play and other innovative methods to help children and adults feel at ease while learning effective coping skills. Our goal is to provide compassionate care across the lifespan so you and your family can love, play, and grow into healthier humans!
Get Started with Play Therapy & Professional Counseling
Book a Get Started Call
Schedule a 15-minute Get Started Call to learn more about which service(s) would be best for you and your family.
Get Familiar with Our Process
During your get started call, we will answer questions, review our process, and schedule the initial sessions.
Attend the Initial Sessions
Your therapist will get to know you and your family and offer a supportive plan to help you and your family reach your goals.