Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that examines the role of thinking in how we feel and how we react to situations in our life as well as identifying and changing dysfunctional behaviors. The cognitive part of CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts trigger our feelings and behaviors, rather than external things, like people, situations, and events. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking, so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a healthy and effective way. The behavioral aspect of CBT involves learning techniques that can help you cope better and change problem behavior. CBT can give you the power to feel better about yourself and your life.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the sessions are structured, with a specific agenda or goal in mind. The therapist seeks to learn what their client wants out of life (their goals) and then identifies a plan to help the client achieve those goals. The therapist’s role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the client’s role is to express concerns, learn and implement that learning. The therapist and client work together in a partnership to help the client achieve their goals. Therapy is most effective when you're an active participant and share in decision-making. Together, you and your therapist can set goals and assess progress over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be a very helpful tool in treating mental health illnesses, such as anxiety or depression. But not everyone who benefits from cognitive behavioral therapy has a mental health condition. It can be an effective tool to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, results are obtained more quickly than in traditional therapy. This is because of the structure inherent in this type of therapy and the use of homework assignments. CBT also leads to long term results since clients are taught a specific set of skills that can continue to be applied throughout life and across various situations. Studies have shown that CBT actually changes brain activity in people who receive this treatment, suggesting that the brain is actually improving its functioning as a result of engaging in this form of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may help you:
- Manage symptoms of depression or anxiety, either by itself or with other treatments such as medications
- Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations - Identify ways to manage emotions
- Resolve relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate
- Cope with grief
- Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence
- Cope with a medical illness, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or cancer
- Manage chronic physical symptoms, such as pain, insomnia or fatigue
