Understanding CBT: What It Is & How It Works
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying inaccurate or negative thinking, viewing difficult situations more clearly, and responding to those situations more effectively. CBT can be administered on an individual basis or in a group setting, and in some cases, it may be combined with another form of treatment (for example, medication). When compared to many other types of therapy, CBT often requires fewer sessions.
What is CBT:
CBT is a highly effective type of talk therapy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8489050/ that focuses on:
- Identifying and challenging inaccurate or negative thinking patterns: We all experience negative thoughts, but in individuals struggling with mental health concerns, these thoughts can become distorted and contribute to emotional distress. CBT helps individuals recognize these thought patterns and identify their underlying assumptions and biases.
- Developing healthier coping mechanisms: By learning to view situations more realistically and objectively, individuals develop more effective coping strategies to manage challenges and respond to stressful situations in a healthier way.
CBT vs. Other Therapies:
Compared to some other forms of therapy, CBT often requires fewer sessions, making it a more time- and cost-effective option for many individuals. Additionally, CBT can be readily combined with other treatment modalities, like medication, for a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
Who can benefit from CBT?
CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety Disorders: [Link to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) page on anxiety disorders: https://adaa.org/]
- Depression: [Link to the MDD fact sheet from NIMH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/]
- Eating Disorders [Link to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/]
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [Link to the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website: https://iocdf.org/]
- Phobias [Link to the American Psychological Association (APA) page on phobias: https://dictionary.apa.org/specific-phobia]
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [Link to the PTSD National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/]
- Bipolar Disorder [Link to the NIMH Bipolar Disorder fact sheet: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9294-bipolar-disorder
- Schizophrenia [Link to the NIMH Schizophrenia fact sheet: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia]
- Sleep Disorders [Link to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) website: https://aasm.org/]
- Substance Use Disorders [Link to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators]
What Can CBT Be Used to Treat?
CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Sleep disorders
- Substance use disorders
With that said, CBT isn’t just useful for individuals with mental illnesses—it can benefit anyone who’s dealing with a stressful situation. For example, CBT can also be used to help people cope with loss, resolve conflicts, and improve their communication skills.
Does CBT Sound Like the Right Choice for You?
If you think you could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, contact us today. Our friendly team can tell you more about our practice and how we incorporate CBT into our therapy sessions. And if we seem like a good fit for your needs, we can schedule a therapy appointment at a date and time that fits into your schedule. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you work toward your treatment goals.