Rated 5 out of 5 Stars
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center, Springfield, Illinois
A practical space to look at the thoughts and patterns shaping your life and begin approaching them differently.
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Garden Refuge has wonderful counselors that are warm, compassionate, and caring. Would absolutely refer anyone seeking mental health services to GR!
Shanna Shrum
During my experience with Garden Refuge, I felt extremely welcomed and supported. counseling can feel intimidating, but they create a space where you feel comfortable opening up without any pressure or judgement. I always leave feeling a little more grounded and understood.
Emily Waldrop
Garden Refuge is a truly compassionate and thoughtfully run organization. The level of care they provide creates a safe, supportive space for clients and I would highly recommend them!
Annie Freeman
Garden Refuge Nonprofit has amazing workers. They have great sensitivity for cultural diversity and are accepting of learning from others, being challenged, and helping their clients to achieve their goals in life.
Trenise Scott
Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling is great! With different workshops that help you better understand certain topics and provide resources, it is a great space to learn and grow!
Josie M
Top-Rated Therapy and Counseling in Springfield, Illinois
How We Work Together
Our Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists are dedicated to providing trauma-informed, unmatched understanding, compassion, and the personalized care you need to navigate through life’s challenges.

Book An Appointment
Schedule a free consultation to share your goals and ask any questions you have about therapy.

Match With A Therapist
We'll thoughtfully connect you with a licensed therapist who best fits your needs.

Begin Counseling
Start your sessions and take the next step in your therapy journey with guidance and support from your therapist.

Proudly Serving Illinois via Telehealth
And Springfield, Illinois in Person


Why Choose Garden Refuge in Springfield, IL
Life in Springfield, Illinois reflects the pace and pressures of a mid-sized city, where more than 112,000 residents balance work, family, and personal responsibilities, and nearly 194,000 people across Sangamon County navigate similar day-to-day demands. With that comes a growing need for mental health support. Nationally, about 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition each year, and anxiety-related disorders alone affect more than 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Many of these challenges are driven or reinforced by unhelpful thought patterns, including persistent worry, negative self-perception, or difficulty managing stress during major life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most widely researched and effective approaches for addressing these patterns, helping individuals recognize how their thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, and then actively reshape them. At Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center in Springfield, Illinois, CBT is used to provide practical, structured tools that help individuals reduce anxiety, improve mood, and regain a greater sense of control in their daily lives, whether through in-person sessions or accessible telehealth options.

CBT Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. At Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center in Springfield, Illinois, CBT is used to help individuals develop practical coping strategies for everyday challenges.
2. What conditions does CBT help treat?
CBT is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and mood disorders. It is also effective for managing habits, improving emotional regulation, and addressing negative thinking patterns.
3. How does CBT work?
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A therapist helps you recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced, constructive thoughts, leading to healthier behaviors and outcomes.
4. How long does CBT take to work?
CBT is typically a short to medium-term therapy, often lasting between 8 to 20 sessions. Many people begin noticing improvements within the first few weeks as they apply new strategies outside of sessions.
5. Is CBT effective for anxiety and depression?
Yes. CBT is one of the most researched and effective treatments for both anxiety and depression. It provides practical tools that can help you manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
7. What happens during a CBT session?
Sessions involve identifying specific challenges, exploring thought patterns, and learning techniques to reframe thinking and change behavior. You may also receive exercises or “homework” to practice between sessions.
8. How is CBT different from other types of therapy?
CBT is more structured and focused on present challenges compared to some other approaches. It emphasizes practical strategies and measurable progress rather than only exploring past experiences.



