Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is defined as a mental health treatment that has been seen to be useful for a wide array of problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, relationship problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
Several research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvements in the functioning and quality of daily life. CBT is better than other forms of psychological therapy or medications.
Table of Contents
Forms of Treatment
Duration, frequency, and format of CBT sessions vary highly, depending on the type of problem being treated, the therapist’s availability, and the client’s preferences. Typically, treatment consists of 10 to 20 sessions, usually occurring weekly. Therapy can happen individually or in groups. It should be noted that despite CBT being administered through an outpatient basis, an individual can get inpatient and day treatment programs based on the CBD model. Early sessions are spent building rapport and defining what is going on and strategies to implement. Later sessions are spent implementing the techniques discussed. Homework is continuously given to gauge progress.
Cognitive Distortions
Cognitive distortions are simply ways or thinking patterns that our mind convinces us of something that isn’t true.
History of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) suggested that people could settle their deep-seated emotional and behavioral issues by changing their irrational beliefs to rational ones. Individuals could attain these changes by identifying their irrational thoughts and then testing them, hopefully disproving them in the real world.
Cognitive Therapy
In the late 1960s, the cognitive therapy system that would become part of the basis for today’s cognitive behavioral therapy was developed.
Who Can Benefit From CBT?
CBT is not only used to address trauma but also the following challenges:
- Stressful situations in life
- Relational conflicts and miscommunications
- Phobias
- Ongoing emotional trauma as a result of violence or abuse
- Mental health disorders
- Grief and loss
- Emotion management
- Anger management
- Addictions
How do I choose a therapist?
A therapist can be a medical doctor -a psychiatrist who can prescribe medications, a psychiatric nurse, psychologist, social worker, and marriage or family therapist. Communicate with people you trust to give you a referral, whether your doctor or close relations. You could also search online.
Ensure that any therapist you’re looking at is a state-certified and licensed mental health professional specialized in your area of concern. It could vary from eating disorders, depression, marriage and family problems, anxiety to PTSD.
Most therapists’ websites have several conditions and types of problems they treat. In case of any inquiries, call, text, or email the therapists’ office before deciding.
