Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT)
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Talk therapies are the cornerstone of many mental health treatments because they allow the individual to reframe negative and distorted thoughts while promoting objective thinking and positive behavioral patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) makes it possible to address previously avoided issues by anchoring the conversation in the present. Participants are encouraged to challenge thoughts and behaviors to determine what motivates them and how they can change their reactions to produce more healthy outcomes. Many research studies have proven that CBT is an excellent treatment option for individuals who may not have responded positively to medication or other therapy options.
When Is CBT Used?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat many mental health disorders, including the following:
CBT is also used to treat chronic conditions that cause a high level of physical discomfort or pain. Long-term ailments like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome are often accompanied by insomnia and depression. CBT can effectively relieve some of the distress and teach powerful coping skills for dealing with the pain.
How Does CBT Work?
While many traditional therapies use each session to go over past events, CBT is focused on recent experiences, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This is done through conversations with a trained therapist during which statements are challenged and reframed to reveal unconscious biases and distorted ways of perceiving situations. The therapist will work with you to analyze your tendencies to see if they are based on objective or subjective thoughts and how these affect you.
You will be directly confronting issues that may make you feel anxious or fearful so that you can process how they impact the way you act and think in your daily life. In this way, you can begin to take control and learn new ways to behave that will lead to more positive outcomes. CBT can make it easier for individuals in recovery to cope with being in familiar environments without returning to old habits.
There is no set time limit for CBT therapy, but the goal is to provide you with the skills needed to traverse daily life without reverting to negative habits or ways of thinking. Some people can go through an intense twenty-week period of CBT and then move on to less structured support options, while others may take a significantly longer period of time.
Following sessions will involve a lot of talking. A large portion of CBT consists of learning what your emotions mean and finding healthy ways to express them. The therapist will assist you in determining what thoughts, actions, and feelings are problematic and which ones are not. They will also question your resolve to change and challenge you to practice what you learn during the sessions in your daily life.
You may be asked to do some voluntary “homework,” like making lists or reviewing certain information. Activities like journaling, exposure therapy, and role-playing are a few techniques that might be used. Relaxation techniques like guided breathing, mindfulness exercises, and meditation may also be taught as coping skills.
How Do I Know if CBT Is the Right Therapy for Me?
While it is a very useful therapeutic tool, CBT may not be the perfect fit for everyone. This treatment is designed to focus on the individual and is not meant to be used as the sole treatment for abusive or toxic family systems. It also may not be able to fully address more complex or severe mental health disorders or those with learning disabilities that could interfere with the structured nature of the sessions. It takes time, energy, and dedication to turn a weekly or bi-weekly session into real-world life changes. This can be hard for certain people who might have better results from other therapy alternatives.
Reach Out Today
CBT is a versatile treatment option that can benefit a wide range of people from various demographics. It is also easy to adapt to alternative media, including telehealth options like video or voice calls, making it accessible for anyone. If you believe that you may benefit from CBT, then now is the time to reach out for more information.
We understand how essential it is to choose the right therapy option to accommodate your unique needs. Take the next step on your recovery by contacting Create Recovery Center today!
