Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of mental health treatment that aims to alter your thoughts and behaviors. It has proven successful in treating various disorders, and its research-backed methods make it one of the most widely researched forms of psychotherapy.
CBT therapy can be conducted either face-to-face or online, depending on your preference. It’s a temporary solution that provides tools to address current problems.
The therapist will begin by creating a treatment plan for you that outlines your objectives and how they can be met through the course of treatment. They then collaborate with you to identify any unhelpful thoughts or beliefs causing your symptoms, as well as how they impact daily life. Finally, the therapist can teach you strategies to reframe those negative thought patterns into more constructive ones.
Once you and your therapist have identified what goals you have set, they will discuss how these can be achieved during each session. Additionally, they may give you ‘homework’ so that you can practice the newly acquired skills outside of sessions.
During the initial sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify and address the thoughts causing your symptoms and how they make you feel. They then teach you strategies for reframing these ideas and beliefs in order to modify behavior and reduce symptoms.
Your therapist and you will work together to identify the situations most likely to trigger your symptoms and how to avoid them. Doing this helps alleviate symptoms and prevent relapse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective solution for many mental health conditions, from depression and anxiety to eating disorders and addictions. CBT can also be a beneficial way to break free of addictions and enhance quality of life in general.
Cognitive behavioral therapy comes in many forms, such as rational emotive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, reality therapy/choice theory, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. These therapies combine cognitive and behavioral elements to alter irrational beliefs and attitudes.
When selecting a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy, experience is key. Make sure they are licensed and certified in offering this type of care. Furthermore, contact your insurance company to determine if mental health services – including cognitive behavioral therapy – are covered under your policy.
Once you have a therapist, be sure to come prepared with an open mind and willingness to participate in the therapeutic process. Doing this will enable you to maximize the benefit of those sessions and reach your treatment objectives more quickly.
The initial session is an opportunity for you to describe your current situation and the difficulties you are facing. Your therapist will listen intently as you recount your story, asking questions to gain insight into how you perceive the world.
In addition to exploring your emotions and behavior, the therapist may perform a series of experiments. These could include role-playing or exposing yourself to situations that trigger anxiety or symptoms.