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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Tampa & St. Petersburg

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CBT Therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach that helps individuals understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected — and how changing negative patterns can lead to lasting healing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress, our licensed & skilled CBT therapists are here to help.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely researched and effective form of talk therapy that focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thought patterns, CBT helps you develop healthier ways of thinking and reacting to life’s challenges. It’s commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and more. Our Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg therapists use CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and relaxation exercises to support your healing and growth.

Who Can Benefit from CBT?

CBT is effective for people of all ages facing a range of mental health challenges. At It Begins Within Therapy, we support adults, teens, kids, and couples who experience:

Conditions treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Depression and low mood

  • Anxiety and panic disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Obsessive or compulsive behaviors

  • Stress and overwhelm

  • Chronic Pain

  • Life transitions and relationship struggles

  • Sleep Disorders & Insomnia

Why Individuals in Tampa & St. Pete Choose IBW for CBT

We understand finding the right therapist is an important and highly personal step in your healing journey. Here’s why individuals in Tampa Bay choose to work with therapists at IBW when seeking CBT therapy:

  • Licensed, highly trained CBT therapists with specialized expertise

  • Compassionate, client-centered care tailored to your unique goals

  • Convenient in-person therapy in Tampa and St. Petersburg, plus teletherapy options

  • Emphasis on building practical skills to manage symptoms and improve quality of life

Our therapists combine evidence-based techniques with warmth and empathy to support your courageous first step toward lasting mental wellness.

What to Expect in CBT

CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that fuel negative emotions or behaviors. Together, we’ll:

  • Pinpoint automatic thoughts that keep you stuck

  • Practice strategies like cognitive reframing and behavioral activation

  • Use structured exercises to shift emotional responses

  • Track your progress and adjust goals along the way

Meet Cognitive Behavioral Therapists Near Me

  • Licensed Tampa CBT therapist Dr. Mary Perleoni specializing in trauma and marriage counseling

    Dr. Mary Perleoni, PhD, LMHC

    Founder of IBWHC and licensed Tampa CBT therapist specializing in trauma and marriage counseling. With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Perleoni provides strengths-based individual and couples CBT therapy tailored to Tampa families seeking healing from trauma and relationship challenges.

  • Licensed Tampa CBT therapist Ciana Nguyen specializing in PTSD and anxiety counseling

    Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW

    Licensed Tampa CBT therapist specializing in PTSD and anxiety counseling for veterans, teens, and families. Ciana uses mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to support Tampa families through life transitions and emotional challenges.

  • Licensed Tampa couples CBT therapist Jessica Klein specializing in marriage counseling

    Jessica Klein, MA, LMHC

    Licensed Tampa couples therapist using cognitive behavioral therapy and Gottman Method to support couples through marriage counseling and life transitions. Jessica specializes in growth-focused individual and couples CBT therapy.

  • Tampa child CBT therapist Ashley Canto specializing in trauma therapy

    Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW

    Licensed Tampa CBT therapist specializing in child trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. Ashley uses TF-CBT and play therapy to support families and caregivers seeking evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for their children.

  • Licensed Tampa child CBT therapist Melissa Zentner specializing in family and anxiety counseling

    Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    Licensed Tampa child and family CBT therapist, TF-CBT certified, specializing in anxiety, depression, and premarital counseling. Melissa supports Tampa children and teens through cognitive behavioral therapy designed to reduce symptoms and strengthen family dynamics.

  • Tampa trauma and CBT therapist Angela Holmes-Cruz specializing in anxiety and EMDR therapy

    Angela Holmes-Cruz, MS, RMHCI

    Tampa CBT therapist trained in EMDR and DBT, specializing in trauma, anxiety, and OCD treatment. Angela provides CBT-informed individual therapy for young adults dealing with a variety of mental health challenges.

  • Tampa child CBT therapist Lauren Pankuch specializing in teen and family therapy

    Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC

    Licensed Tampa child and teen CBT therapist specializing in trauma-informed care and play therapy. Lauren offers client-centered CBT counseling for LGBTQIA+ youth and families, focusing on emotional regulation and anxiety management.

  • Licensed Tampa PTSD and CBT therapist Paris McDonald specializing in EMDR and marriage counseling

    Paris McDonald, LMHC

    Licensed Tampa CBT therapist and U.S. Army veteran providing trauma, PTSD, and cognitive behavioral therapy for military families and individuals. Paris integrates EMDR with CBT techniques to support lasting recovery and relationship counseling.

  • Tampa trauma and CBT therapist Emma Groskind specializing in anxiety and grief counseling

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    Tampa CBT therapist specializing in trauma, grief, anxiety, and adolescent mental health. Emma is TF-CBT and EMDR trained, offering strengths-based CBT therapy to support Tampa families and teens through emotional healing and identity development.

  • Tampa anxiety and CBT therapist Nicole Segovia specializing in women’s therapy and couples counseling

    Nicole Segovia, MA, RMHCI

    Licensed Tampa CBT therapist specializing in anxiety, prenatal counseling, depression, and couples therapy. Nicole uses evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy to support women and couples seeking mental wellness and relationship growth.

  • Licensed Tampa CBT and marriage counselor Kelly Morrissey specializing in trauma and family therapy

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT

    Licensed Tampa CBT and marriage therapist trained in Lifespan Integration. Kelly supports professionals and young adults through trauma recovery, addiction counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy for relationship and family challenges.

  • Tampa CBT therapist Amanda Farris specializing in trauma and anxiety counseling

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW

    Tampa trauma-informed CBT therapist certified in EMDR and DBT, integrating yoga and attachment-based approaches. Amanda offers cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents and families dealing with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation challenges.

  • Licensed Tampa CBT therapist Tyler MacDonald specializing in anxiety and men’s counseling

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Licensed Tampa CBT therapist providing person-centered, trauma-informed therapy for young adults. Tyler specializes in anxiety, grief, men’s mental health, and identity exploration using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

  • Tampa child CBT therapist Megan Midura specializing in anxiety and family therapy

    Megan Midura, MA, RMHCI

    Licensed Tampa child CBT therapist trained in TF-CBT and DBT, specializing in anxiety and emotional regulation for children and teens. Megan supports Tampa families through play therapy integrated with cognitive behavioral approaches.

  • Tampa CBT counselor Annie Mowbray specializing in trauma and disability therapy

    Annie Mowbray, BA

    Tampa mental health counselor specializing in CBT and person-centered therapy for anxiety, trauma, and disability. Annie supports Tampa families and individuals navigating life transitions through evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy.

  • Tampa CBT therapist Samantha Kindler specializing in anxiety, trauma, and couples counseling

    Samantha Kindler, MA, RMHCI

    Licensed Tampa CBT therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and premarital counseling. Samantha integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to support individuals and couples building emotional resilience and healthier relationships.

  • Tampa licensed CBT therapist Kaitlyn Shelp specializing in trauma and anxiety counseling

    Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC-QS

    Clinical supervisor and licensed Tampa CBT therapist offering trauma-informed CBT for anxiety, infidelity counseling, and family therapy. Kaitlyn uses evidence-based Gottman Method and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) alongside CBT to support Tampa clients navigating anxiety and relationship repair.

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Who Can Cognitive Behavior Therapy Help?

  • tampa bay beach cbt therapy for children

    Children

    CBT is highly effective for children and adolescents, treating issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral problems, and trauma through age-appropriate and interactive techniques, sometimes incorporating elements of play therapy.

  • woman healing from anxiety near ocean in tampa bay florida

    Adults

    For individuals, CBT is widely used to address a range of mental health issues in adults, such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD, helping adults develop coping strategies and change negative thought patterns.

  • couple on beach in tampa healing after cognitive behavioral therapy

    Couples

    CBT for relationship counseling focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and understanding relationship dynamics. By identifying and changing negative interaction patterns and thought processes it helps couples build stronger relationships.

Specialized CBT Therapy

CBT for Anxiety & Depression

You’ll learn to challenge distorted thoughts, reduce avoidance, and rewire anxious habits. Clients typically report 60%+ symptom reduction in under 12 sessions.

CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Struggling to sleep without meds? CBT-I is the gold standard for restoring deep, restful sleep naturally. Studies show CBT-I helps up to 70% of patients, offering long-term improvements without side effects and reducing reliance on sleep pills.

CBT for Children & Teens

Age-appropriate CBT strategies help kids and teens manage anxiety, improve focus, and regulate big emotions. We involve parents in the process to support change at home.

CBT for Couples

Identify negative interaction cycles and thought traps that fuel conflict. Improve communication, empathy, and trust with science-backed techniques.

CBT for Children in Tampa & St. Petersburg

CBT is one of the most research-backed therapy approaches for helping children manage anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation. At IBW, our child therapists use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and age-appropriate CBT strategies to help children understand their thoughts, change unhelpful behaviors, and feel more confident in daily life.

child anxiety therapy

Whether your child is struggling with performance anxiety (at school or in sports), social anxiety, or developmental challenges, CBT offers practical, evidence-based tools they can learn and use. In therapy, children are guided to recognize anxious thoughts, build confidence through coping skills, and gradually face the situations they fear with compassionate support every step of the way.

behavioral therapy for kids

Many children experience intense emotions that lead to outbursts, irritability, or oppositional behavior. Our therapists use CBT, including TF-CBT, to help children develop healthier ways to manage anger and regulate their emotions.

CBT teaches children how to:

  • Identify triggers that lead to frustration or explosive behavior

  • Strengthen emotional regulation and calming skills

  • Use self-control and problem-solving techniques in real-life situations

“Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a gold-standard treatment that not only reduces trauma symptoms but also equips children and families with skills for long-term emotional health. At IBWHC, we are proud to deliver TF-CBT with compassion and evidence-based rigor to support Tampa children’s healing and growth.”

Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC, Tampa TF-CBT Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBT worth it?

Yes. CBT has one of the strongest evidence bases in modern therapy, and it’s focused on fast, sustainable results.

How long does CBT take?

Most clients see meaningful change in as few as 6–12 sessions. More complex cases may benefit from ongoing support.

Can CBT help with sleep issues without medication?

Absolutely. CBT-I (a form of CBT) is the most effective treatment for insomnia and has long-term success rates.

Does CBT help with relationships?

Yes. CBT for couples can drastically improve ow partners interpret and respond to one another’s needs.

Is CBT right for me?

If you’re motivated to understand your thought patterns and actively work toward change, CBT can help.

Tampa Bay CBT Programs

At It Begins Within our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services are delivered by the top clinicians in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area. Our practice is dedicated to providing expert and personalized care tailored to individual needs. Our commitment to evidence-based treatment and focus on achieving meaningful, lasting improvements, allow us to serve our clients during every step in their healing journey.

If your searching for the best cognitive behavioral therapy near me, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota therapists.

Free Consultation for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Near Me

We offer comprehensive mental health services and free consultations for all of our skilled therapists. Our belief is that the strongest factor in your success through therapy is the relationship with your therapist - and we want to ensure that.