Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): What is it?
Do you know what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the many methods that counselors use to treat mental health conditions and even substance use disorders. Additionally, it helps with eating disorders and relationships.
In recent studies, CBT was shown to be just as effective as or even more effective than traditional therapy or psychiatric mediations.
Top three principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior
- People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives
CBT strategies
- Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems and then to reevaluate them in light of reality
- Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivations of others
- Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations
- Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities
In addition to these principles and strategies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, it also will involve an effort made by the individual to change their own behavioral patterns. For example, common behavior changing patterns might be:
- Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them
- Using role playing to prepare for a potentially uncomfortable interaction
- Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body
Just as unique as a person is, so shall be the treatment. The psychologist and patient will work together on an individual plan based upon what the desired outcome is. There is a large emphasis to help people see what they need and use their coping skills to change their own thinking, emotional responses and behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on what is happening currently in a person’s life instead of what led to their troubles and/or difficulties. History is always accounted for, however the primary focus is on moving forward toward a healthy life.
Do you or someone you know want professional help?
Contact a doctor for a referral or find a therapist. They can work to design a custom plan for wellness. In addition, secure treatment is over the phone or computer with telehealth, providing coping skills for grief, loss, depression and anxiety. They will work with you one-on-one to get you feeling better.
Lifeline Connections commits to creating lasting mental wellness for our patients. We offer an integrated, holistic approach that includes therapy and case management. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, working to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Contact us and reclaim your life.
