Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of psychological treatment useful for a variety of issues, including depression, OCD, anxiety disorders, difficulties with alcohol and other drugs, marital issues, eating disorders, and serious mental disease. Numerous studies have found that CBT significantly enhances functioning and quality of life. CBT has been shown in numerous studies to be equally successful as, or even more effective than, other types of psychological therapy or psychiatric drugs.
It is crucial to stress that improvements in CBT have been made as a result of both clinical and research-based work. In fact, there is a wealth of scientific evidence supporting CBT, demonstrating that the techniques used truly result in change. CBT is distinct from many other types of psychiatric therapy in this way.
CBT is founded on a number of fundamental ideas, such as:
- Part of psychological issues stem from flawed or harmful ways of thinking.
- A portion of psychological issues can be attributed to learnt undesirable behavioral patterns.
- People with psychological issues can develop stronger coping mechanisms, which will help them manage their symptoms and improve their effectiveness.
In CBT therapy, efforts are typically made to alter thought processes. These tactics could consist of:
- 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 in one’s own abilities.
The CBT treatment often entails attempts to alter behavioral patterns. These tactics could consist of:
- confronting, as opposed to avoiding, one’s worries
- Using role-playing to get ready for possibly awkward social interactions.
- learning how to relax one’s body and mind.
Not all CBT will implement each of these techniques. Instead, a collaborative effort between the psychologist and patient/client
The goal of CBT is to assist people in becoming their own therapists. Patients and clients are assisted in developing coping skills so they can learn to alter their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior through activities done both during and outside of sessions.
Instead of focusing on the circumstances that lead to the client’s problems, CBT therapists highlight what is happening in the client’s current life.
