Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Specialist in Cedar Rapids, IA

CBT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that centers on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. We understand that negative or distorted thinking can contribute to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviors. Through CBT, our experienced therapists guide clients to identify these patterns, gently challenge their accuracy, and develop more balanced, constructive ways of thinking and responding.

In our practice, CBT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is thoughtfully integrated into a personalized care plan that may also include mindfulness practices, nutritional guidance, lifestyle changes, and, when appropriate, medication management. Sessions are structured and collaborative, focusing on each individual’s unique challenges and goals. For example, we may help someone manage anxiety by teaching techniques to reframe anxious thoughts and gradually face fears using holistic coping strategies such as breathwork or guided meditation.

CBT has been extensively researched and shown to be effective for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we often blend CBT with other holistic therapies to support lasting healing and self-empowerment. The goal is for each client to gain lifelong skills for managing mental health and enhancing overall well-being, both during and after therapy.

CBT is not only effective for managing specific symptoms, but it also empowers individuals to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical health—core components of holistic care. Through CBT, we help our clients explore how negative thought patterns and behaviors can impact their mental, emotional, and physical wellness, and collaboratively develop strategies to create lasting, positive change.

Conditions We Treat with CBT

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we use CBT to support clients struggling with:

• Depression: We guide individuals in identifying and transforming the thought patterns that contribute to low mood and loss of motivation, supporting recovery and resilience.
• Anxiety Disorders: CBT is a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Our therapists help clients challenge irrational fears and develop personalized coping strategies to restore balance and calm.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): With structured CBT techniques, we assist clients in managing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, focusing on sustainable change.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma-focused CBT can be a powerful resource for processing traumatic experiences and reducing symptoms, all within a safe and supportive environment.
• Eating Disorders: We address unhealthy beliefs around food and body image, fostering a healthier relationship with eating, self-image, and the body.
• Substance Use Disorders: By understanding triggers and building healthier habits, CBT can support lasting recovery as part of a holistic substance use treatment plan.
• Insomnia and Sleep Disorders: CBT techniques help reframe thoughts and behaviors that interfere with restorative sleep, promoting overall wellness.
• Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Chronic Pain: CBT can be a valuable adjunct to medication or other therapies, helping clients manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the evidence-based approaches we offer as part of our integrative care model. The duration of CBT treatment varies and is carefully tailored to each person’s specific needs, mental health conditions, and overall wellness goals.

CBT is generally considered a short-term, goal-oriented therapy, with most treatment plans at our practice ranging from 5 to 20 weekly sessions. Some clients notice significant improvements within six to eight sessions, while others—especially those facing more complex or long-standing challenges—may benefit from ongoing support over several months.

By integrating CBT with a holistic approach—including lifestyle, nutrition, and mindfulness strategies—we strive to promote meaningful and lasting changes in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, supporting your overall well-being in a compassionate, individualized manner.

CBT is a leading treatment for both anxiety and depression, often producing significant improvements in symptoms and helping patients develop long-term coping strategies.

CBT’s strength lies in its structured, goal-oriented approach, focusing on identifying and transforming negative thought patterns and behaviors. This practical framework empowers individuals to manage their symptoms actively and supports measurable progress throughout the therapy process. For many people, CBT can deliver faster and more robust results compared to other modalities such as psychodynamic therapy or supportive counseling. In cases of moderate to severe depression, we often recommend combining CBT with appropriate medication management, as research shows this integrated approach can enhance outcomes.

As a holistic practice, we recognize that every individual’s journey to wellness is unique. While CBT is a first-line treatment and offers lasting benefits—including skills that help reduce the risk of relapse—it is not the only path to healing. Our clinicians work collaboratively with patients to tailor treatment plans that honor personal preferences, past experiences, and any co-occurring conditions. This may include integrating CBT with other evidence-based therapies, mindfulness practices, or lifestyle interventions to support comprehensive mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Laurie McCormick integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles within her broader practice at Holistic Wellness & Psychiatry, focusing on a whole-person approach that considers genetic, environmental, and spiritual factors alongside thought patterns and behaviors. Her method uses CBT techniques to address the mind-body connection and aims for deep healing beyond symptom management, tailoring treatment plans within her integrative framework.

At Holistic Wellness & Psychiatry, Dr. McCormick combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with various therapeutic methods for a comprehensive, holistic mental health treatment. This integrative approach goes beyond simple symptom management. She employs Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to treat conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, trauma, and OCD. With over five years of experience in KAP, Dr. McCormick uses ketamine to facilitate deeper exploration and emotional healing. Additionally, as a certified functional medicine practitioner, she utilizes lab and genetic testing to identify the root causes of illness, such as the gut-brain axis. This personalized strategy allows Dr. McCormick to craft individualized treatment plans that complement CBT interventions, enhancing the overall healing process.

Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry offers CBT as a foundational therapy for anxiety and depression within a broader, person-centered approach. By combining the robust evidence base of CBT with holistic, individualized care, we strive to help our patients achieve lasting mental wellness and improved quality of life. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 42 7th Ave SW, Suite 100 & 102 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. We serve patients from Cedar Rapids IA, Hiawatha IA, Marion IA, Robins IA, Fairfax IA, Mt Vernon IA, and surrounding areas.