Counseling and Mental Health Practice
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness.
Treatments
It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.
​
CBT is based on several core principles, including:
-
Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
-
Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
-
People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
​
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
-
Learning to recognize one's distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
-
Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
-
Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
-
Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence is one's own abilities.
​
Who it Helps
CBT has been proven to help with treating clients with PTSD, those with negative thoughts and who may have issues coping, and those who have experienced some kind of trauma in their life.
How it Works
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the relationship among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and notes how changes in any one domain can improve functioning in the other domains.
What's in It for You
CBT Therapy can help you learn to cope with past trauma and negative thoughts, it can give you the tools you need to overcome fears and regain self control over your emotions and yourself.