Part 1: What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy used to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
From depression and anxiety to PTSD and even eating disorders, this type of therapy helps individuals identify negative thoughts and thought patterns so they can change their perspective on those thoughts and eventually change the behaviors associated with them.
CBT heavily focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
When you’re able to understand that connection better, it becomes easier to foster healthy coping strategies.
There are plenty of reasons why CBT is such a widely used modality.
Let’s take a closer look at what cognitive behavioral therapy really is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.
What Are the Key Aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT centers around a few key components.
For starters, it uses a goal-oriented approach to help individuals determine what they want and how they’re going to get there.
When clear goals are set, it’s easy to measure progress throughout each session.
That sort of tangible “evidence” that things are moving forward can help you to stay motivated throughout your journey.
Another major aspect of CBT is staying focused on the present.
Rather than dwelling on negative past experiences, you’ll stay grounded in the here and now, addressing current problems and how they impact your life.
CBT helps you identify any negative thoughts or patterns that could be causing issues.
If those thoughts are untrue or unhelpful in any way, your sessions will help you address and challenge them.
One of the most practical aspects of CBT is learning effective coping skills.
You’ll learn how to manage difficult emotions and behaviors and how to handle your feelings even when you’re in a challenging situation.
How Does CBT Work?
Early on in your CBT journey, your therapist will help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
You’ll quickly start to see that your negative thoughts often lead to negative behaviors.
That starting point will help you identify and challenge the negative patterns impacting your life.
Your therapist might use different approaches to help you challenge those thoughts, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, or behavioral activation designed to increase engagement in the things you enjoy.
On the surface, it might sound difficult to challenge and change negative thought patterns.
But CBT is designed to help you learn coping skills to manage stress and anxiety.
From relaxation techniques and problem-solving skills to assertiveness training, your therapist will work with you to hone the skills necessary for growth.
The strategies you and your therapist put into place will directly align with the goals you set and what you want to achieve as you change your behaviors.
Is CBT Right for You?
Almost anyone struggling with negative thought patterns can benefit from CBT.
If you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, it can help you challenge negativity and develop ways to reduce avoidance behaviors.
If you’re living with PTSD, it can help you process your traumatic memories in healthier ways so you can start to move forward.
The important thing to remember if you’re considering CBT is that it requires active engagement.
You have to be willing to be an engaged participant in the process if you want to see a successful outcome.
It’s also helpful to have specific problems or issues in mind as you go through your sessions, but that’s something your therapist can help you discover.
Want to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy?
Or, maybe you’re ready to set up an appointment, I’m here to help.