Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment shown to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.
CBT is based on several principles such as:
- Problems are based on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Problems are based on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- People with psychological problems can learn better ways of coping, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT treatment involves efforts to change thinking patterns.
Strategies may include:
- Recognizing one’s distorted thinking that is creating problems, and then reevaluating them considering reality.
- Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
- Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
- Developing a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
During treatment a mental health professional helps you take a close look at your thoughts and emotions to understand how your thoughts affect your actions. Through CBT treatment, you can unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors and learn to adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.
CBT treatment usually includes a limited number of sessions. Using a question-and-answer format which your therapist helps you gain a different perspective learning to respond better to stress, pain and difficult situations.
Sources
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? | American Psychological Association
