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Welcome to the
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Institute
of Manitoba

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is CBT?

Cognitive behaviour therapy is a goal-oriented therapy based on two central ideas:

  1. Our thoughts have a major influence on our emotions and our behaviour.
  2. Our behaviours can strongly influence our thoughts and emotions.

Therapy

Therapy starts with a thorough assessment of the problem taking into account your current situation and relevant past events. The goal of therapy is to help you develop effective ways of coping that you can use independently in the future. In other words, you learn to help yourself cope effectively with life’s challenges.

Tried and Tested

CBT has been developed over the last forty years and is the approach to treatment that has been most thoroughly evaluated scientifically and shown to be effective for a wide range of problems. Special training in CBT is required to be skilful in helping people achieve their therapy goals.

There is good evidence that the gains achieved in therapy are maintained after completing treatment. Some people will benefit from booster (or tune up) sessions if they encounter difficulties in the months and years after completing treatment.

Tribute to Our Founders

Dr. John Walker
Ph.D., C.Psych

CBTI Manitoba Co-Founder

Dr. Dr. John Walker had a passion for providing evidence-based treatments for anxiety and related disorders. In keeping with this passion, he co-founded The Cognitive Behavior Institute of Manitoba with the vision of being a centre of excellence in CBT-based treatments. He believed that conducting research and providing evidence-based training for new clinicians were important ways to serve the community and he was greatly involved in both.

In each endeavour, Dr. Walker brought exceptional kindness and compassion to everything he did. Sadly, Dr. Walker passed away in 2018 but his values live on in us at CBTI as we continue to keep his legacy alive.

 

 

Dr. Vivienne C. Rowan
Ph.D., C.Psych

CBTI Manitoba Co-Founder

Dr. Vivienne C. Rowan has been a guiding force in advancing evidence-based care for individuals facing anxiety, trauma, and related conditions. As a co-founder of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Institute of Manitoba, she helped establish the clinic as a centre of excellence in CBT-based treatment. Dr. Rowan’s own clinical work has always been grounded in compassion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to helping others heal and thrive.

Dr. Rowan’s dedication extends beyond the clinic and, for over a decade, she worked with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Canada, offering psychological care in some of the most challenging and underserved regions in the world. In recognition of this remarkable work, she was honored with a Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Psychological Association.

Dr. Rowan’s values and vision continue to shape the heart of CBTI Manitoba. We are proud to carry forward the legacy she helped create—one of evidence-based practice, compassion, and service to the community.

Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of respect and truth, the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Institute honours and acknowledges the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene, and Metis people on the traditional Treaty 1 territory where we reside. The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Institute acknowledges the treaties made on these lands, the harms, and mistakes as we dedicate ourselves to working towards reconciliation.