Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and menopause
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — CBT — has been used for decades as a successful treatment for conditions like chronic pain, depression and eating disorders. Now researchers at Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s Healthcare are using it to help treat the symptoms brought on by menopause.
CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts impact our feelings and behavours. To help women cope with changing moods or feelings of anxiety, therapists help patients tweak their inner voice — adopt behavioural changes that naturally improve our outlook. Breathing techniques can help neutralize hot flashes. Experts describe CBT as an active therapy. In order to succeed, women need to be fully onboard.
Sheryl Green is with St. Joseph’s Healthcare. “They are very keen and very motivated to make this type of treatment work. That’s really necessary for a Cognitive Behavourial Treatment program to work. You have to be dedicated to it. You have to put forth a great deal of effort into it and it’s kind of what you get out of it is what you put into it.”
Experts suggest CBT for women at any stage of the menopause transition. Mild to moderate symptoms may be managed without medication. Women with more severe symptoms could benefit from both forms of treatment.
Free Community Information Session. Achieving Drug-Free Menopause Relief. Manage Your Menopausal Symptoms Using Psychological Strategies.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
The Lower Auditorium, West 5th Campus, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street
Dr. Sheryl Green, Clinical Psychologist, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
Admission is FREE to all who wish to attend. Parking is available for free within P1 & P2 lots after 5:30 p.m. (located outside the Outpatients Entrance).
Registration is requested, to register contact: (905) 522-1155 ext. 34964 or tjohnsto@stjoes.ca
