What Is Cognitive Therapy?
Cognitive therapy can be a helpful treatment option for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may also be utilized to address physical conditions like chronic pain and tinnitus.
It works on the principle that thoughts shape our feelings and behavior, with negative ones often leading to depressive or anxious states. Therapy helps patients become aware of these patterns of thought and alter them accordingly according to their individual needs.
CBT is often associated with depression, but research has demonstrated its efficacy for many other mental health conditions as well. For instance, CBT has even been used to assist cocaine-dependent individuals overcome addiction and become abstinent.
Cognitive therapy was pioneered by psychiatrist Aaron Beck in the 1960s. While treating patients with depression, Beck discovered that treating their condition required identifying and challenging deeply-held beliefs that were contributing to the problem. Thus, he created cognitive therapy as a method to ‘capture’ these automatic responses and challenge them.
This method encourages patients to think deeply about a belief and examine it from different angles. Doing this allows them to recognize how irrational or misguided it may be, as well as realize that their problems stem more from emotion than logic or reason.
Throughout the process, clients are motivated to make progress towards altering their negative beliefs by employing various techniques that teach new coping skills and behavior modifications. These may include learning trigger recognition, recognizing flawed thought patterns, and practicing effective coping strategies.
Additionally, CBT helps patients set healthy and achievable goals for the future. Doing so can help them avoid relapse and enhance their quality of life.
The therapist should provide unconditional support and motivate their client to address their problems and collaborate on solutions. Furthermore, regular assessments throughout the process help track progress and alert patients to any relapses that may have occurred.
A qualified and experienced therapist should have a deep understanding of CBT theory, as well as be able to guide their patient down the right path. Furthermore, they should demonstrate empathy by listening attentively without judgment or criticism.
Some therapists also utilize guided imagery to assist their patients with managing emotional distress. This technique encourages patients to imagine themselves in a healthy and positive place while facing difficult circumstances, particularly those who have endured trauma such as being involved in a car accident.
Hypnosis can also be an effective tool in combatting depression and other mental disorders by teaching the patient how to think positively.
It can be especially effective in helping those suffering from PTSD learn to slow their rumination and focus on the positive aspects of their lives. Additionally, it may benefit clients suffering from other disorders like eating disorders or bipolar disorder.
