Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving.  Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and so change the way they feel. It is a brief, non-medical approach that can be helpful for a range of health problems, including anxiety and stress caused by menopausal cycles brought on by our aging bodies.

During the menopausal and hormonal change aging bodies go through, women experience difficulties in their day to day activities.  Examples being hot flashes, night sweats, and feelings of stress, anxiety, irritability and mood swings.  The consequences of these problematic physical and mental health issues can result in disruptive sleep patterns, cause negative relationship issues, low libido and sexual avoidance amongst many other.  As women we are in nature sensitive to our surroundings, feelings, and are relational in general.  When these problems come up unexpectedly, thoughts of “What is wrong with me?,” “When will this be over?,“ and/or feelings of being out of control” are common amongst most menopausal women.    

CBT can be a useful tool to have as you navigate yourself through this period of your life. For example, when a woman feels the onset of a hot flash, she thinks that everyone is looking at her and that she can’t cope; this leads to feeling of embarrassment, loss of control, and anxiety.  These feelings might then lead to increased tension, palpitations and sweating, which intensify the hot flash experience.  CBT can help you to find ways to reduce these negative reactions to hot flashes. Learning calmer more neutral responses will help you to feel more in control and more able to cope.