CBT Therapists in Toronto

Browse 5 therapists offering CBT in Toronto. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched forms of psychotherapy available. It is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, and that changing the way you interpret situations can shift how you feel and what you do. CBT was developed by psychiatrist Aaron Beck in the 1960s, initially for depression, and has since been adapted for a wide range of mental health concerns. It is structured and goal-oriented, which means sessions have clear direction and progress can be tracked over time.

What to look for in a CBT therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Formal training in CBT or a specific CBT-based approach
  • Experience with your specific concern (e.g. anxiety, OCD, depression, insomnia)
  • Clear structure with measurable goals and progress tracking
  • Comfortable explaining how they adapt CBT to individual needs

5 therapists for CBT in Toronto

Browse 5 therapists offering CBT in Toronto. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Paula Ghelman

Paula Ghelman

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your relationships, work, or school? Do you feel exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by everything you need to do, and don't feel good enough? Do you wonder if you'll ever feel like you used to? We often put our needs last, justifying this by telling ourselves we have too much to accomplish first. Not addressing your depression, anxiety, or past trauma can lead to isolation, ruin your self-esteem, and make day-to-day life harder than it needs to be. However, there are ways to navigate these personal burdens and make life hopeful again, and you don't have to do it alone. I believe in a trauma-focused, strength-based approach and utilizing evidence-based practice to help you learn how to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and heal from trauma. By creating a safe space where you are not only heard but truly understood, you can start your transformative path towards a more fulfilling life. Providing individual online psychotherapy and an individualized DBT skills program, you will learn how to change negative self-talk, manage emotions, navigate relationships. Getting started is often the hardest part, and therapy help you create a holistic toolkit to enjoy happier, more fulfilling relationships, prioritize yourself, and feel lighter overall. Book a free consultation to take the first step towards a brighter, hopeful future.

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Sam Srijani

Do you find yourself constantly on edge, overcome with anxiety, work-related stress, low self esteem, or people pleasing? Are you putting yourself on the back burner while you struggle to keep up with the demands of your busy life? Are you stuck in a cycle of setting high expectations and never feeling good enough? If you’re feeling like this you may even be experiencing guilt and shame about these feelings. Maybe you're craving the chance to shed your responsibilities and just be yourself. If you’re nodding along, you're not alone. And you've just taken an amazing step in seeking help. I'm passionate about helping you build your confidence and regain control of your life. I specialize in anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, and ADHD. My therapeutic approach is personalized to meet your unique needs. My LGBTQ+ affirming culturally sensitive approach honours your unique experience, beliefs, and identity. If you're looking for a therapist who you can be real with; who is there with you through both the tears and the laughs, please reach out! I offer a free 15 minute video consultation so we can touch base and see if we're a good fit to work together. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to your best self.

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Tarni Kaur

Tarni Kaur

You’ve learned to hold it all together; for family, for culture, for survival. You’re insightful, but tired. Maybe it’s anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, or the quiet weight of not feeling fully seen. You want space to exhale and to feel understood. My clients seek clarity, regulation, and belonging. Together, we’ll explore the patterns you’ve inherited, the ones you’re ready to let go of, and the parts of you waiting to feel at home. I offer culturally responsive, neurodivergent-affirming therapy with a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the impact of cultural and family systems on emotional well-being. My approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from ACT, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to support emotional regulation, self-trust, and meaningful change. Starting therapy is vulnerable, especially if you're used to managing on your own. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of where to begin, I’m here to support you. Let’s work together to explore what healing, safety, and alignment might look like for you.

Online
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Diana Ben

Diana Ben

Hi, I’m Diana! As a first‑generation African Canadian, I understand the complexity of navigating cultural identity, family expectations, people‑pleasing, autonomy, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by unprocessed trauma, anxiety, and the pressure to hold everything together. They often feel alone in their experiences, struggle with confidence, and second‑guess their decisions and experiences. My goal is to offer a non-judgmental, compassionate, culturally sensitive space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. I help you understand the roots of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns so you can shift them with intention. My work focuses on identity, self‑awareness, and healing from trauma and anxiety in a space that feels grounding and supportive. My approach blends insight, compassion, and practical tools to help you create real, sustainable change! Therapy with me is about understanding yourself more deeply so you can move through life with clarity and confidence. I believe insight is a powerful tool for healing; it helps us break old cycles and create new possibilities by moving beyond the feeling of “I don’t know why.” If you’re ready to explore your inner world with support, I’m here to help!

Hybrid
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Natalie McMullen

Natalie McMullen

Top Specialities: trauma, anxiety, attachment issues I believe our life events shape us into who we are today. We weren’t BORN with an inner critic, perfectionism, or people-pleasing tendencies! Something happened in our lives that taught us those behaviours. Maybe we learned that it’s less painful to avoid confrontation than to risk rejection or failure. Maybe we learned that to ensure safety, we must be hypervigilant, constantly looking out for threats. Those behaviours likely helped you survive at one time, but now, they might be causing chronic anxiety, difficulties in your relationships, and low self-esteem. I will help you understand your emotions and unlearn beliefs and coping behaviours that are no longer serving you. We’ll learn how your past and present experiences are contributing to the issues you want to let go of, and carve a path forward. Therapy can help you process your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your reactions and emotions. I have experience helping with anxiety/stress/burnout, trauma, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, depression, emotion regulation, and borderline personality disorder. I’m especially passionate about treating developmental/attachment trauma to improve self-esteem, foster safety and security, and move towards secure attachment patterns. My Approach/Style As a therapist, I have a friendly, authentic, and warm demeanour. I believe a strong connection with your therapist is of crucial importance, so I take extra care to ensure I’m understanding your needs and perspective. (This doesn’t mean I’ll never challenge you!). I’m also happy to share appropriate information about my own life if helpful and relevant. I believe everyone has inner wisdom and resilience. I respect your autonomy, so I will always support you in coming to your own conclusions and finding your own solutions. But I also don’t shy away from sharing different insights and perspectives, or giving guidance and advice if needed. Types of Therapy After spending some time getting to know you, I’ll apply the therapy techniques that best suit your concerns. I use techniques informed by schema therapy, inner child work, IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and attachment theory. I am also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy, which is an evidence-based and WHO-recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out for a free consultation! *Please note, I am located in Toronto, and my working hours are as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am-7pm Eastern Time Thursday: 1pm-7pm Eastern time Friday: 10am-5pm Eastern Time

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Looking beyond Toronto? Browse all CBT therapists in Canada.

CBT therapists in Toronto — at a glance

accepting new clients
5/ 5
offer online sessions
5/ 5
offer sliding scale fees
3/ 5

Frequently asked questions

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy used for?

CBT is used for a wide range of concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. It is one of the most thoroughly researched approaches in psychotherapy and has a strong evidence base across many conditions. A therapist can help determine whether it is a good fit for your specific situation.

How long does CBT take?

CBT is typically short-term. Most courses run between eight and twenty sessions, though this varies depending on the concern being addressed and how complex it is. Some structured programs, such as CBT for insomnia or a specific phobia, may be completed in fewer sessions. A therapist will give you an estimate based on your goals at the start of treatment.

Does CBT involve homework?

Yes, most CBT approaches include brief practice between sessions. This might involve keeping a thought record, gradually facing a situation you have been avoiding, or tracking a specific behaviour. The between-session work is usually a core part of how CBT achieves change, though therapists adapt the amount based on what is manageable.

How is CBT different from other therapy approaches?

CBT is more structured and skills-focused than many other approaches. It targets present-day thoughts and behaviours rather than exploring their historical roots in depth. Sessions have a clear agenda and progress is tracked. This makes it different from more open-ended approaches like psychodynamic therapy, though many therapists combine elements from multiple methods.

Is CBT effective?

CBT has a substantial evidence base and is considered a first-line treatment for conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and insomnia. Research consistently shows it to be effective across a wide range of concerns. That said, not every approach works for every person, and a therapist may adjust the method or suggest alternatives if progress is limited.

Can I do CBT online?

Yes. CBT is well-suited to online delivery because it relies on structured conversation, exercises, and worksheets rather than techniques that require physical presence. Many therapists offer virtual sessions. Some research suggests online CBT is comparably effective to in-person for a number of conditions. Check individual therapist profiles to see which formats they offer.

How do I find a CBT therapist in Toronto?

Browse therapists in Toronto who list Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a specialty. Look for someone with training in CBT and experience with your specific concern. Check their profile for session format, fees, and availability, and consider reaching out to a few before deciding.

Is CBT covered by insurance in Toronto?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits plan. If your therapist in Toronto is a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker, sessions may be eligible for reimbursement. Check your policy for covered designations, per-session limits, and any annual maximums before booking.

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