Overview

Banyan Work Ready CBT Client Handout

388 Roncesvalles Ave, Suite 200 Toronto, ON M6R 2M9 T 866.226.9262 F 416.588.9235 www.banyanconsultants.com

Banyan Work Ready CBT

Increasing numbers of people are experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The

cause of these mental health issues varies from one individual to another and frequently involves a

combination of contributing factors. Mental health issues arise in situations where the individual’s capacity

to cope and the demands placed on them are out of balance leaving the individual feeling out of control.

There are two ways in which work is related to mental health issues. On the one hand, work may involve

adverse effects that aggravate mental health issues (e.g. heavy workload, uncertainty about your job, or

conflicts with a manager). On the other hand, work also plays a protective role. For many people, work is

an important part of their lives and a basic prerequisite for good mental health. Work provides structure, a

sense of purpose, access to social contacts and a distraction. Work can also be a source of confidence or

satisfaction. Extended absence from work is known to aggravate mental health issues and can have

negative effects on one’s sense of well being.

Various studies have shown that it is important to return to work as soon as possible, as an extended

period away from work makes it increasingly challenging to return and can complicate recovery. In the

interests of people with mental health issues, it is therefore vital to focus on work early. If the cause of

the mental health issues is partly work-related, it is essential to resolve the problem at its point of origin.

Our program aims to provide you the support and assistance that may be required to address the root

problem and enable a sustainable solution and recovery. Finally, being at work offers an ideal setting to

implement/practice the strategies and new learning acquired during treatment. So let’s learn more about

the treatment itself.

Banyan’s Work Ready CBT Program is a vocationally-focused CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy)

approach designed to assist individuals with mild to moderate mental health issues (e.g., depression and

anxiety disorder) to gradually build up their mental and physical stamina, and resolve barriers and any

other negative influencing factors impacting on return to work. The goal of the program is to prepare you

for a return to gainful employment and to initiate the return to work process while in treatment.

At the outset of treatment, options for a return to work (and any problems that are anticipated in this

connection) will be discussed with the therapist. “What should you do if you suddenly burst out in tears at

work” or “what is it about starting work again that intimidates me the most”. The next step is for you and

the therapist to discuss a specific return-to-work plan. This often involves a gradual increase in the

number of hours worked, but it can also include modifications to the job demands. The way in which work

activities are gradually expanded is, of course, also dependent on the type of work you do, the severity of

your mental health issues, and the flexibilities available at work.

The Work ready CBT Program involves an initial assessment by a trained Psychologist or Clinical

Counselor. The program assists you to build skills to prepare you to return to work and includes the

following:

8 sessions with the Psychologist or Clinical Counsellor,

A home based exercise program with gradual increase in physical activation

An online personal diary

Homework assignments based on your specific goals.

The sessions are preferably conducted in person, but in remote areas telephonic and “Vidyo” technology is

available and may be used as an alternative.