Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psycho-social treatment primarily used to manage depression and anxiety disorders. It has been efficient in treating alcohol and substance use disorders as well. CBT is not a cure, and instead, it is an intervention that aims to reduce symptoms of the disorders and improve the quality of life. It is the preferred alternative to psychotherapy as it follows a problem and action-focused approach. It is used in the average mental health wellness, and recovery center confirms its popularity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on the idea that a change in thinking leads to a change in behavior. More recent findings suggest that focusing on how a person thinks instead of what they think leads to better outcomes. CBT addresses cognitive distortion or simply irrational thought by encouraging a more positive and more realistic outlook.
A cognitive-behavioral therapy center teaches patients to be more aware to recognize and evaluate their thought patterns. Other strategies it uses include teaching self-confidence in one’s abilities, mindfulness, facing fears, and how to become a problem solver.
Cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy form the basis for CBT. Cognitive therapy aims at changing the way a person looks at an issue of concern. A person with a negative predisposition may see themselves as unworthy and unloved and therefore socially withdrawn. Cognitive therapy averts this thinking by stacking evidence that contrasts their beliefs (such as the person who feels acknowledging that they have family and friends who genuinely love them). Behavioral therapy imparts essential skills to modify behavior. For instance, a cognitive-behavioral therapist in New Jersey will teach a socially awkward person conversational skills to reduce feelings of anxiety in social situations.
Is CBT for You?
CBT is widely accepted amongst behavioral health treatment services as one of the best forms of therapy currently available. While sometimes used with other techniques such as commitment therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation training, it remains the most critical treatment approach. It is highly recommended if you or a loved one struggles with anxiety, depression, dysmorphia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse.
A therapist takes you through the CBT treatment in an average of 16 sessions. These can be done individually or in a group. Because it transcends gender, race, and ethnicity, it is universally applicable and available in any anxiety recovery center. You are assessed to help uncover your problem and identify the symptoms when you arrive. This assessment is usually structured as a questionnaire. This tool is given at the contact stages and later through therapy to measure progress and identify problem areas that require more attention.
What to Expect
The therapist will provide materials to help you learn about your disorder. It increases your awareness of your condition and helps you drop the irrational fears, which feed your anxiety. Other techniques you will learn include goal setting practicing strategies such as talking to yourself. Finally, the therapist will give you tasks or ‘homework’ to put everything you learn into practice.
Do not let a loved one suffer in silence. Please call CTRLCare behavioral health at 609-237-0088 to get the right treatment plan for a loved one.