Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that is effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including: depression, anxiety, addiction, marital problems, and eating disorders. CBT is based on the following core principles:
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Psychological problems are based partly on faulty or negative thinking
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Psychological problems are also based partly on learned patterns or unhelpful behavior
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People living with mental health needs can learn how to cope with and relieve their symptoms
CBT involves attempts to change thinking patterns. Strategies for doing this include:
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Learning to recognize one’s negative thinking that is creating problems and then reevaluate them
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Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others
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Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations
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Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence is one’s own abilities
CBT also involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. Strategies for doing this include:
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Facing one’s fears head on
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Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others
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Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body
CBT focuses on the therapist and client working together in a collaborative fashion to develop an understanding of the underlying problems and develop a treatment strategy. Through exercises and ‘homework’ outside of sessions, clients are able to develop coping skills. CBT focuses on what is currently going on in one’s life, rather than what has led to the difficulties.
If you are ready to work with a talk therapist who specializes in CBT: click here.
