What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the interactions between an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the idea that these things are interconnected, allowing people to improve their mental health, relationships, and everyday life. Psychiatrists who use CBT work with their patients to identify and challenge negative patterns of thinking and behavior and replace them with more positive and adaptive ones. This type of therapy can benefit individuals dealing with various mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Techniques used in CBT

Cognitive restructuring and reframing

One of the key techniques used in CBT is cognitive restructuring. In this technique, negative thought patterns are identified and challenged and replaced with more optimistic and empowering ones. For example, a patient who struggles with anxiety may have a persistent fear of flying. Through cognitive restructuring, the patient and mental health professional may work together to challenge the patient's belief that flying is inherently dangerous and replace it with more realistic and beneficial thoughts, such as bringing up the fact that millions of people fly safely every day.

Behavior activation

Another technique used in CBT is behavioral activation. This process involves identifying specific behaviors that the patient wants to change and developing a plan to take action toward those changes. For example, a patient with depression may have lost interest in activities they once enjoyed. Through behavioral activation, the psychiatrist may work with the patient to identify new activities and create a schedule for incorporating them into their daily routine.

Relaxation and stress reduction

During a CBT session, the patient may also learn progressive relaxation techniques. These skills can help them deal with phobias, social anxieties, and other stressors inhibiting their ability to function. Some relaxation techniques include:

• Deep breathing exercises

• Muscle relaxation

• Imagery rescripting

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy can help patients confront certain fears and phobias. The psychiatrist slowly exposes the patient to situations that provoke fear or anxiety. At the same time, they provide guidance and healthy coping mechanisms to help the patient in the moment. Exposure therapy sessions are often done in small amounts to not overwhelm the patient. However, over time, the exposure will help the patient to feel more confident facing triggering situations.

The Benefits of CBT

Patients can gain a greater sense of control over their thoughts and behaviors with cognitive behavior therapy and develop more optimistic and constructive strategies to cope with difficult situations in their life. CBT has many benefits over other forms of therapy for treating mental health conditions. Some benefits of CBT include:

• Develops a more rational thought process

• Improves symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Increases self-awareness and self-esteem

• Helps identify negative patterns in personal relationships

• Enhances productivity at school and work

Another benefit of CBT is that it can work in a shorter capacity than other types of therapy. This means that individuals may see significant improvements in their mental health in a short amount of time based on their treatment goals. This shorter time frame can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with acute mental health concerns or who have limited time or resources for therapy.

How to get started with CBT

The first step in CBT is typically the assessment phase. During this time, the psychiatrist will gather information about the patient's mental health history, current symptoms, and any triggers contributing to their difficulties. The psychiatrist will then work with the patient to set goals for therapy, identifying specific behaviors or thought patterns that the patient wants to change. CBT is often a short-term treatment, typically lasting between 6-20 sessions, although the number of sessions can vary depending on the patient's needs and goals.

Once the patient and psychiatrist establish goals for treatment, the psychiatrist will begin to teach the patient-specific techniques for identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors. These practices may include journaling exercises, role-playing scenarios, or other activities designed to help the patient better understand their thoughts and feelings. The psychiatrist may also recommend engaging in self-care activities, such as exercising, eating a nutritious diet, and getting enough rest.

Schedule a consultation today

If you are considering cognitive behavioral therapy, it is important to find a qualified psychiatrist who specializes in this type of treatment. Our team can help connect you and schedule you for an initial assessment. From there, we can discuss a specialized treatment plan catered to your needs. Start your journey to healing today by calling our office. We look forward to hearing from you.

Become a new patient today or give us a call: 631-673-3233.