What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that assists people in changing negative behaviors and thoughts. It’s commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and addictions; additionally, CBT could benefit those suffering from chronic pain or other physical ailments.
CBT is a problem-oriented approach, meaning it focuses on current problems rather than looking back on past events. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for their recovery and make changes in their lives to address whatever is causing them distress.
Cognitive behavioral therapy begins with teaching clients how to recognize and challenge distorted thinking patterns and beliefs. Through techniques such as thought records, clients learn how to reframe their thoughts into more realistic, healthy perspectives.
Cognitive behavioral therapy involves you and your therapist working together to set specific objectives that will assist in moving forward in life. These may include altering habits, mastering new coping techniques or practicing mindfulness meditation.
During sessions with your therapist, you and they will explore feelings and thoughts and how they are affecting your life. Furthermore, together you’ll devise strategies to help modify behavior; for instance, if eating is a problem for you, practicing meal planning and exercise routines during these conversations could be beneficial.
Your therapist and you may also use goal-setting to craft an action plan that you can adhere to between sessions. This is an essential aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy, helping you set and achieve your objectives.
Cognitive behavioral therapy also emphasizes teaching you to observe and recognize your own thinking patterns, which can provide valuable insight into why certain behaviors or thoughts arise. Your therapist may give you worksheets or exercises to help record these thoughts, which will allow for a deeper understanding of how emotions and actions are influenced by them; plus, this exercise serves as an opportunity for reevaluating the efficacy of therapy itself.
Many people struggle with negative or inaccurate thoughts that can lead them to take harmful actions. These automatic thoughts (NATs) are known as automatic behaviors; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals become more aware of them, challenge them and replace them with more helpful and accurate ones.
CBT (Compulsive Behavior Therapy) is a short-term process that can be highly effective at helping you overcome mental illness and transform your life for the better. Generally, CBT sessions last anywhere from five to twenty sessions.
Finding a cognitive behavioral therapist is easy; speak to your primary healthcare provider or search online for local and state psychological associations. Make sure to find an accredited, certified therapist who specializes in the area you are struggling with.
A therapist typically begins by assessing your situation and recognizing the issues you are facing, then asking about past solutions or medications you have taken. They may also inquire about any treatments or medications taken for these issues.
