Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness. CBT is a problem-focused form of behavioral treatment that helps individuals see the difference between their beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, and free them from unhelpful patterns of behavior. CBT is grounded in the belief that it is a client’s perception of events rather than the events themselves, which determines the client will feel and act in response.
CBT is based on several core principles:
- Psychological problems are based on unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Psychological problems are based on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- People with psychological problems can learn effective coping skills.
CBT treatment to change unhealthy thinking patterns:
- Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that may be creating the problems.
- Gaining a better understanding of the behavior.
- Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
CBT treatment to change unhealthy behavioral patterns:
- Facing fears instead of avoiding
- Using role play to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
- Learning to calm and relax the mind and body.
CBT can help clients adjust their negative thoughts that directly influence their emotions and behavior through several approaches such as but not limited to:
- Challenging beliefs
- Journaling
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
CBT can give you the strength needed to cope with your situation in a healthy way. If you think you may benefit from CBT techniques then, let’s work together to get you back to the life you want.