CBT “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy”
Cognitive behavioral therapy, also called CBT, is a common type of talk therapy. This type of talk therapy is also called psychotherapy. During CBT, you work with a mental health professional such as a psychologist or other licensed therapist in a structured way. You attend a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of thinking patterns that may be creating issues in your life. Looking at the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors helps you view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
CBT As A Tool?
CBT can be a very helpful tool in treating many mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD, or an eating disorder. Sometimes CBT is the only treatment needed. Other times it’s used along with other therapies or treatments such as medicines.
You don’t need to have a mental health condition to benefit from CBT. CBT can be an effective way to learn how to better manage stressful life situations.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat a wide range of mental health concerns. It’s often the preferred type of psychotherapy because it can quickly help you learn about and cope with specific challenges. CBT generally includes fewer sessions than other types of therapy and is done in a structured way. CBT often involves homework as a way to practice your skills.
CBT as a Counseling Tool
CBT is a useful tool for learning ways to deal with emotional challenges. For example, CBT may help you:
- Manage symptoms of mental health conditions.
- Keep symptoms of mental health conditions from coming back.
- Treat a mental health condition when medicines aren’t a good option.
- Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations.
- Learn ways to manage emotions.
- Deal with relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate.
- Cope with grief or loss.
- Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence.
- Cope with a medical condition.
- Manage long-term physical symptoms.
Mental health conditions that may get better with CBT
- Depression
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
- Phobias.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Eating disorders.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also called OCD.
- Substance use disorders.
- Bipolar disorders.
- Schizophrenia.
- Sexual problems.
Reference: Mayo Clinic
Author: Paul Johnston,Kelly-Johnston Counseling