By: Sanskriti Ravi
With the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reporting approximately 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness each year, mental health is a critical issue for many, especially women who often juggle multiple responsibilities. However, when seeking counselling, hurdles like long wait times and complex access processes can limit access to timely and effective care. That’s where Digital CBT steps in, offering a transformative and empowering approach to mental wellness that fits into your lifestyle.
Stephanie Sellars, Lead Digital CBT Coach at GreenShield Health, shared her expert insights to help us better understand the benefits of online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, its potential to help manage symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression, and how to begin your well-being journey with Digital CBT.
What is internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Digital CBT is an affordable, effective and easy-to-use anxiety and depression management tool. This self-paced digital program works by teaching people how their thoughts and behaviours impact their mood, as well as providing strategies to reduce symptoms and cope positively through psychoeducation, goal setting, cognitive skill building, behavioural skill building, and problem-solving.
“Digital CBT focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions,” explained Sellars. “Through a structured series of interactive online modules and guided exercises, Digital CBT teaches people how to challenge negative thought patterns, foster more balanced thinking, reshape their behaviours, and ultimately achieve a healthier state of mental well-being — all within the convenience and accessibility of an online platform.”
What are the benefits of Digital CBT?
The unique demands for women can make it challenging to ask for help. By overcoming traditional barriers to care, Digital CBT provides more convenient, accessible, and comprehensive support for anxiety and depressive symptoms. Below is a list of the benefits of Digital CBT.
Convenient and flexible digital access
Unlike digital-first mental health services, traditional in-person counselling is often plagued by long wait times. This delay can lead to prolonged periods of untreated emotional and psychological stress, which, if left unaddressed, may worsen mental health issues. Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy breaks down logistical barriers, such as remote or rural locations, to allow people to access therapy in any comfortable setting.
Participate in therapy at your own pace
It’s no secret that finding the time to schedule regular counselling sessions can be a significant challenge. The demands of work, school, family, or personal commitments can leave little room for frequent therapy appointments. Instead, the self-paced learning approach is designed to work with your timetable.
Affordable and cost-effective mental health treatment
Finances shouldn’t limit your access to quality mental health care. Digital CBT programs are often more cost-effective than seeking out in-person care. These programs not only make therapy more affordable but also provide a valuable toolkit for proactively enhancing their well-being and coping effectively when confronted with life’s challenges.
Evidence-based path to well-being support
Numerous clinical studies and evaluations vouch for Digital CBT effectiveness in improving mental health. Whether managing anxiety, depression, stress, or other emotional concerns, its scientifically proven techniques reduce these symptoms, fostering a greater sense of emotional well-being and psychological balance.
Is Digital CBT the right fit for you?
Digital CBT is generally recommended for people with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. If you have more severe or complex mental health issues, traditional in-person therapy may be a more appropriate choice. Sellars explains that “Digital CBT is often used as a tool for self-awareness and growth and is ideal for individuals looking to better manage everyday stressors with more resilience.”
How to get started with Digital CBT
GreenShield Cares Women’s Mental Health initiative offers a complimentary one-year to Digital CBT. This program consists of two nine-module programs for anxiety and depression, which can be combined into one 12-session program for those wishing to address both.
Extra mental health support when you need it
Individuals can also access six months of optional Digital CBT coaching. Sellars emphasizes that,much like acquiring any other skill, Digital CBT programs require a certain level of motivation and accountability.Opting for the coach-led program offers personalized support to help maintain a commitment tothe program. Coaches provide additional guidance and serve as touchpoints fordiscussing questions or addressing possible concerns, fostering a moreeffective and encouraging learning experience.
Begin your Digital CBT journey today
Embarking on your Digital CBT journey can be a transformative step towards enhancing your mentalwell-being. With the convenience, evidence-based approach, and the option forpersonalized coaching, Digital CBT empowers individuals to take control of their symptoms of anxiety and/ordepression, challenge automatic negative thinking, and develop more balancedthoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Get started on your Digital CBT journey today and take the first stepto a brighter and healthier future.
Disclaimer
This article contains guidelines or advice not intended to self-diagnose or treat. No content should be used as a substitute for direct advice from a qualified professional such as your doctor or mental health professional. Please reach out for support from a certified professional related to the symptoms you may be experiencing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and requires immediate support, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Alternatively, please call or text 9-8-8. Through the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or call Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566. For residents of Québec, call 1-866 APPELLE (1-866-277-3553).
Please know you are not alone. Support is available.
