What is Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of mental health care that helps you recognize and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that cause stress or anxiety. CBT can be an effective treatment for many mental illnesses, with or without medication.
Cognitive therapy aims to identify and rework negative thoughts, perceptions and beliefs that may negatively impact your mental health. It can be particularly helpful for people suffering from depression or other forms of emotional distress whose symptoms have not responded to other treatments.
Psychotherapy can also benefit those experiencing trauma and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other serious mental illnesses. This form of therapy is one of the most popular and well-studied types of psychotherapy available today.
CBT therapists are skilled in using a range of techniques to assist you in overcoming the issues causing your distress. These may include situation exposure, systematic desensitization and meditation.
At your initial session with your therapist, they will inquire into how you feel and any difficulties that are presenting themselves. Furthermore, you are welcome to share any past experiences which have shaped or contributed to the way in which you perceive emotions and behaviors today.
Your therapist will also ask you to identify how your thoughts and behaviors are affecting your life and relationships. Doing this helps them determine which strategies are working and which aren’t.
Your therapist will work with you on altering how you think about and respond to certain conditions, as well as teaching you strategies for dealing with stressful situations that trigger emotions or behaviors. The purpose of these sessions is to foster new, optimistic thought patterns and teach coping techniques that will enhance quality of life for you.
Cognitive and behavioral therapy’s ultimate goals are to reduce symptoms and boost your self-esteem. However, this process takes time, so you must commit to working with your therapist between sessions in order for results.
Finding a therapist that fits your needs and condition can be tricky. But it is essential to search out the best professional for your condition and requirements. Make sure the therapist you select is certified and licensed in their field of practice, as well as having expertise on your particular issue or condition.
Finding a cognitive and behavioral therapist is easy – whether online, in your area or through referrals from healthcare providers or other trusted sources. Make sure the therapist you select is certified and licensed in your state, has expertise in your problem or condition and is willing to work with you long-term.
Make an appointment with your therapist as soon as possible to begin the treatment process. Be prepared to fill out HIPAA forms, provide insurance information and review your medical history.
At your initial appointment with your therapist, they will help determine the most suitable type of therapy for you. Cognitive and behavioral therapies have been known to be successful in treating depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, phobias, substance use issues and other mental health conditions.