From: Staffing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems. It’s based on the principle that psychological problems are partially based on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. CBT also relies on the theory that people suffering from psychological issues can relieve their symptoms with better coping methods.
Significant clinical practice and research have contributed to advances in CBT. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective or more effective than other psychological treatments or psychiatric medications.
CBT involves working with a therapist to help identify and overcome negative thought patterns. Your therapist may help you with the following practices:
- Recognizing how distortions in thinking are creating problems in your daily life
- Learning to reevaluate distortions in your thinking based on reality
- Improving your understanding of other people’s behaviors and motivations
- Using problem-solving skills to manage challenging situations
- Increasing your sense of confidence in your abilities
Another critical aspect of CBT involves changing behavioral patterns. Your therapist may recommend the following actions:
- Facing your fears instead of avoiding them
- Role-playing potentially difficult situations
- Learning to relax your mind and body
You will likely be assigned homework to help you practice reshaping negative thoughts and behaviors outside sessions. Homework may range from journaling assignments to trying activities discussed between you and your therapist to help you develop better coping skills.
CBT is an effective treatment for a range of problems, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Drug misuse disorders
- Alcohol use disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Phobias
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic pain
You don’t need to be diagnosed with a mental illness to benefit from CBT. This therapy can also help people struggling with grief, marital problems and communication and conflict resolution issues.
Contact your doctor or a mental health professional to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
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