What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a type of talk therapy that examines the emotions, behaviors, and thoughts that keep us stuck and prevents us from reaching our goals. CBT is based on the idea that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors influence one another. The way we view a situation can impact how we feel about it, and then how we react to it. If we are able to tweak one part then it will likely change the other two.
How Does CBT work?
CBT increases the client's awareness of problematic thought patterns, emotional responses, and dysfunctional behavior.
Thoughts: Everyone comes to the world with a certain lens. This is generally based on the foundation of our childhood experience, our lived experiences, and our natural personality predispositions. That’s why when an event happens, two people can see and react to it in two different ways. There are some ways of thinking that increase or decrease distress. CBT starts to explore how we can change some of our thinking styles to find relief.
Emotions: We were all taught something about emotions growing up for better or worse. Were they talked about? Were there some it was okay to express and others that were not? What does our feelings vocabulary look like? Do we know how we experience these emotions in our body? CBT explores how we interact with our feelings and works to increase our tolerance to emotional distress.
Behaviors: At any given time we are somewhere on the mental/emotional health spectrum. There are some behaviors that can move us toward the healthy or unhealthy end. CBT enhances our understanding of how our reactions and behaviors move us closer or further away from our goals. CBT can also enhance those behaviors that support mental health.
What is a CBT session like?
Initial sessions have an educational component as the therapist explains the concepts behind the treatment. Often a skill will be taught and practiced in session. This might include relaxation techniques, challenging belief exercises, mindfulness, or journaling. Homework is often recommended to enhance skills outside of session.
What is CBT used to treat?
Depression
General Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Mood issues
Post-traumatic stress
Perfectionism
Shame reactions
Anger management issues
Chronic irritation or frustration
Negative relationship patterns
Low self-esteem
Ready to explore some of the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that aren’t working for you anymore? Request an appointment today.