Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a short-term, problem-focused form of therapy that helps clients identify the faulty beliefs, thoughts and perceptions that influence their negative feelings, learn to challenge and modify them, and free themselves from unproductive or negative patterns of behavior. CBT is grounded in the basic tenet that it is a person’s perception of events – rather than the events themselves – that determines how he or she will feel and act in response.
CBT can help with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse/dependence
- Compulsive behaviors
- Chronic pain
- Eating disorders
- Sexual problems
- Anger management issues
Most people with clearly defined behavioral and emotional concerns tend to reap the benefits of CBT. Research has shown that CBT, especially when combined with antidepressant medication, is particularly effective in treating depression. If any of the above issues resonate with you, I encourage you to inquire about CBT. I am well trained and experienced in doing CBT with my clients.
With CBT, you’ll be able to adjust and modify the thoughts and self-talk that directly influence your negative emotions and behavior. This modification process is referred to as cognitive restructuring, which happens using different CBT techniques.
Some CBT techniques are:
- Journaling
- Bibliotherapy (reading therapeutic books and articles)
- Tracking & recording dysfunctional thoughts
- Challenging & disputing cognitive distortions (“thinking errors”)
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Prescribing new social and physical behaviors
- Homework assignments and exercises
CBT is much more than sitting and talking about whatever comes to mind during a session. CBT sessions are structured to ensure that the therapist and client are focused on the specific goals of each session, which in turn ensures that each and every session is productive.
Doing CBT, I frequently prescribe bibliotherapeutic articles and readings to promote learning about CBT concepts. A prominent resource I typically prescribe to clients experiencing depression is the book Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns, MD. For clients suffering from anxiety and panic I recommend Dr. Burns’ book When Panic Attacks: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Therapy. Both have workbooks which serve as excellent “curriculum guides” for the work we do with CBT in the therapy sessions.
If you think you or someone you know would benefit from CBT, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.