Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy method designed to help patients identify and address their negative behaviors and thought patterns. CBT has become a popular treatment option for many mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Through CBT, people learn to recognize their thoughts and feelings and how to modify them to improve their well-being. Learn more about CBT and how it can help those suffering from mental health issues.
How Does CBT Work?
Cognitive behavioral therapy posits that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. Through CBT sessions with a therapist, individuals can identify negative thought patterns and behavior which could be causing distress in their lives. By changing these elements of our internal landscape, we may achieve more balance and peace within ourselves.1
The therapist then helps the client develop strategies to challenge and replace these negative patterns with more positive ones. Therapy sessions are structured and usually last 12-20 weeks.
For example, a person with depression may have negative thoughts like “I am worthless” or “nothing ever goes my way.” These thoughts can lead to hopelessness and helplessness, leading to behaviors like social withdrawal or substance abuse.
In CBT, the therapist would work with the client to identify these negative thought patterns and help them develop more positive and realistic ways of thinking. Improvements in mood and behavior start to happen.
Who Can Benefit from CBT?
CBT can benefit anyone struggling with negative thinking patterns and behaviors that are causing them distress. It is a treatment option for anxiety and depression but can also be helpful for other mental health issues like PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. CBT works for individuals, couples, families, and groups.2
CBT is a highly customizable therapy that adapts to the needs of each client. For example, a person with social anxiety may benefit from exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to anxiety-provoking situations in a safe and controlled environment.
A person with PTSD may benefit from cognitive restructuring, which involves challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about the traumatic event.
Is CBT Right for You?
Cognitive behavioral therapy could be an effective treatment if you’re experiencing negative thinking patterns and behaviors that are causing you distress.
As a short-term therapy that produces long-term results, CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their distress.
CBT is highly customizable and can adapt to each client’s specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, or other mental health issues, a qualified therapist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
CBT is a collaborative therapy that requires active participation from the client. CBT may be the right therapy for you if you’re willing to work on challenging and replacing negative patterns with more positive ones.
If you’re located in the Scottsdale area and are interested in exploring CBT as a treatment, we have qualified therapists available to help. Consider contacting us to learn more about how CBT could benefit you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy may very well be the suitable therapy for you. We invite you to take the next step and explore how CBT could help you lead a better life.
Contact Healing Foundations Center
If you want to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy and whether it is right, contact Healing Foundations Center today. Our experienced therapists can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
We offer therapeutic services to help you overcome mental health issues and improve your overall quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our caring team. We look forward to helping you toward personal growth and lasting change.
Sources:
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/296579
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610