Unlike open-ended talk therapy that focuses primarily on past experiences, CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and present-focused. While we always honor your unique history and lived experiences, our primary objective is to give you tangible tools you can use in your daily life, starting from day one.

The Core Components of Our CBT Practice

• Cognitive Restructuring: Learning to notice, evaluate, and reframe unhelpful thought patterns rather than accepting them as the absolute truth.
• Behavioural Activation: Re-engaging with meaningful, rewarding activities to break cycles of depression, fatigue, and social withdrawal.
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gently facing feared situations or thoughts in a safe, controlled environment to desensitize your nervous system and reduce anxiety.
• Skill Acquisition: Developing effective problem-solving strategies, boundary-setting tools, and emotional regulation techniques.

Therapy shouldn’t feel clinical or cold. At Fireside Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is delivered as a warm, equal partnership—where your expertise on your own life meets our clinical expertise in evidence-based care.

Decades of clinical research consistently demonstrate that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been extensively studied and is an established treatment approach for a range of mental health concerns. At Fireside Psychotherapy, our therapists adapt standard CBT protocols to support clients dealing with:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) & Chronic Worry: Learn how to disengage from “what-if” loops and settle a hyperactive nervous system.
• Depression & Persistent Low Mood: Interrupt self-critical thoughts, restore energy levels, and re-establish a sense of purpose through behavioural activation.
• Social Anxiety: Overcome fears of judgment, build authentic interpersonal confidence, and stop post-event mental auditing.
• ADHD-Related Executive Functioning Challenges: Develop practical strategies for organization, time management, task initiation, emotional regulation, and managing ADHD-related patterns.
• Burnout & Workplace Stress: Establish sustainable work-life boundaries, navigate perfectionism, and manage cognitive overload.
• OCD & Intrusive Thoughts: Break free from obsessive-compulsive cycles through specialized Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) protocols.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative process, and your treatment plan will be tailored to your goals, concerns, and circumstances. While every person’s experience is different, therapy often follows a structured progression from understanding current challenges to developing practical skills and building confidence using those skills independently.

We believe quality mental healthcare should fit seamlessly into your life. We offer flexible therapeutic formats to ensure support is accessible whenever you need it:

In-Person Therapy in Downtown Ottawa

Our clinic is located in a quiet, welcoming heritage space at 428 Gilmour Street (between Kent and Bank Street in Centretown). Designed with warmth and comfort in mind—far from a clinical office setting—our practice provides a grounded space to do deep therapeutic work. Street parking and public transit options are conveniently located nearby.

Virtual CBT Across Ontario

Prefer the comfort of your own home or need flexibility around a busy schedule? We offer secure, PHIPA-compliant teletherapy across all of Ontario. Research indicates that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) delivered through secure video therapy can be effective for many of the same concerns addressed through in-person treatment, giving you access to top-tier care from anywhere in the province.

Situation: You receive a critical email from your manager.

Automatic Thought: “I’ve messed everything up.”

Emotion: Anxiety and dread.

Behaviour: Re-reading the email repeatedly and delaying your response.

Balanced CBT Perspective: “The email may contain feedback, but feedback doesn’t automatically mean I’ve failed.”

Result: Reduced anxiety and a more constructive response.

Alice Lurie is the founder of Fireside Psychotherapy and has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through anxiety, depression, stress, grief, emotional regulation challenges, and relationship concerns. She integrates CBT with other evidence-based approaches to help clients build practical skills and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Choosing a therapist is about more than finding someone who offers CBT. It is about finding a clinician who can combine evidence-based strategies with genuine understanding, collaboration, and individualized care.

At Fireside Psychotherapy, we believe that effective CBT happens when proven therapeutic techniques are paired with a strong therapeutic relationship. Our Registered Psychotherapists work alongside you to understand your unique experiences, identify the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical skills that support meaningful, lasting change.

What Sets Fireside Psychotherapy Apart?

• Evidence-Based Care: Our therapists draw from established therapeutic approaches, including CBT, while tailoring treatment plans to your individual needs, goals, and life circumstances.
• Experienced & Qualified Professionals: Our team includes Registered Psychotherapists with specialized training in CBT and other evidence-based modalities that support anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, and related concerns.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: No two people experience anxiety, depression, burnout, or life stressors in exactly the same way. Your therapy plan is designed around your specific challenges, strengths, and objectives.
• In-Person & Virtual Therapy Options: Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face at our Centretown Ottawa office or accessing therapy from the comfort of your home, we offer flexible options to support your schedule and lifestyle.
• A Warm, Collaborative Environment: We strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and supported while learning practical tools you can apply in everyday life.

CBT is designed to help you become more aware of the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. At Fireside Psychotherapy, our goal is not simply to help you feel better in the moment, but to help you build the skills, confidence, and self-awareness needed to navigate future challenges with greater resilience and independence.

Q: What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

A: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, unhelpful beliefs, and problematic behaviours. By modifying how you interpret challenging situations, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps improve emotional regulation and develop healthy coping mechanisms for everyday life.

Q: How many sessions does CBT usually take to produce results?

A: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, structured therapy that typically ranges from 8 to 20 weekly sessions, depending on individual goals and symptom severity. Many clients report noticing meaningful shifts in their thought patterns and anxiety levels within the first 4 to 6 sessions as they begin implementing practical skills.

Q: Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?

A: CBT may be covered by extended health insurance when provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or Registered Social Worker (RSW), depending on your specific plan and coverage. We recommend checking your benefits directly with your insurance provider before beginning treatment.

Q: What is the difference between CBT and traditional talk therapy?

A: CBT differs from less structured approaches by placing a stronger emphasis on present-day thought patterns, behaviours, measurable goals, and practical skill development. In contrast, CBT is present-focused, highly structured, and goal-oriented. It emphasizes practical skill-building, active problem-solving, and light homework assignments to change current thought and behaviour cycles.

Q: Can CBT be effectively delivered through virtual online therapy?

A: Yes, Research suggests that CBT delivered through secure video therapy can be effective for many of the same concerns commonly addressed in in-person sessions. Virtual therapy allows clients to access support from a convenient and familiar environment. 

Q: How do I know if CBT is the right choice for me?

A: CBT is ideal if you are looking for a practical, action-oriented approach to mental health that equips you with concrete skills. If you feel stuck in loops of worry, overthinking, or avoidance, CBT provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to regain control.

Q: Can CBT help with anxiety?

A: Yes. CBT is an established treatment approach for anxiety that helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns, reduce avoidance, and develop practical strategies for responding to worry and anxious situations. Your therapist can tailor CBT techniques to your specific anxiety symptoms and goals.

Q: Do I need a referral to start CBT in Ottawa?

A: No. You generally do not need a physician referral to begin CBT with a Registered Psychotherapist. You can contact Fireside Psychotherapy directly to discuss your concerns, determine whether CBT is an appropriate approach for you, and arrange an initial appointment.

You don’t have to navigate anxiety, depression, or burnout alone. At Fireside Psychotherapy, our experienced team is here to provide warm, evidence-based care tailored to your unique journey.

• Location: 428 Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 0R8 (In-Person & Virtual)
• Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Contact: (343) 644-4357 | info@firesidepsychotherapy.ca

Book Your CBT Session Today!