What is 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. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
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CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
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Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
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Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
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Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
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Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:
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Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.
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Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
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Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.
Not all CBT will use all of these strategies. Rather, the psychologist and patient/client work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.
BENEFITS OF CBT
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a form of psychotherapy which helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns in order to develop healthier ways of coping with mental health issues. It is an evidence-based therapy, meaning research has found it to be an effective treatment for a range of mental health issues. Some of the benefits of CBT for mental health counseling include improved communication skills, increased self-confidence, decreased anxiety levels, and improved problem-solving skills. Additionally, CBT can help individuals better understand their emotions and behaviors, helping them to make more informed decisions.
WHO IS CBT FOR?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a type of talk therapy that can be helpful for people who are struggling with a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use disorders. CBT can also be effective for people dealing with stress, relationship problems, and other life challenges. It can be used with people of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CBT SESSION?
During a CBT session, the therapist and client work together to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that are causing or maintaining the client's mental health symptoms. The session typically lasts around 50-60 minutes and involves setting an agenda, reviewing homework, identifying negative thoughts and beliefs, developing new coping strategies, and planning for future sessions. Overall, CBT is a collaborative and structured approach to therapy that aims to help clients develop the skills they need to manage their mental health symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Which methods of treatment are applied depends on the illness or problem to be treated.
The basic principle behind therapy is however always the same:
What we think, how we feel and how we behave are all closely connected – and all of these factors have a decisive influence on our well-being.
