What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and How Does It Work?
Written by Corrinia Williams (Clinical Intern) | Edited by Olivia Price, LCPC
There are many techniques and interventions used in mental health care. One of the most common techniques is known as CBT, which stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This form of therapy is a ‘talk’ therapy, as most of its function is between therapist and client verbal interactions. According to the American Institute of Cognitive Therapy, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a relatively short-term, focused psychotherapy for a wide range of psychological problems including depression, anxiety, anger, marital conflict, loneliness, panic, fears, eating disorders, substance abuse, alcohol abuse and dependence and personality problems.” The primary focus of this form of therapy is to look at real-time behavior and responses to provide an explanation and understanding and develop skills to change. During therapy, the therapist will summarize your way of thinking and help you find ways to alter it in a healthy manner.
Some steps to expect when practicing CBT with your therapist are as follows:
- Initial Assessments (a list of self reporting forms to help find your diagnosis)
- Periodic Assessments (to monitor any changes)
- Self Help (such as after session assignments to work on and report back at the following session or independent reading materials)
- Treatment Plans (Obtainable goals to work on throughout your time in therapy).
One thing that stands out the most about CBT is the fact that it is truly a reliable form of mental health intervention. Many studies have shown that CBT is just as effective, if not more effective than other forms of behavioral therapy and psychological techniques. It is even viewed as oftentimes being more effective than medication for disorders such as depression, anxiety and obsessions. AICT also reports that CBT has been effective in preventing relapse as patients learn self help in therapy and therefore build the skills needed to support themselves and monitor their own behavior.
Many people forget that behavior can be changed, it’s all in your mindset. If you think you can’t do something, then you won’t; but if you think that you CAN, you will! CBT can truly help change a person’s world within a span of a few sessions. The brain is such a strong and powerful body part, it’s so amazing the things we can do with it!
Source: https://www.cognitivetherapynyc.com/what-is-cognitive-therapy/