What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Introduction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or otherwise known as CBT, is one of the most evidence based practices in the mental health field. Studies are conducted to measure and assess treatment effectiveness and CBT is one that has time and time again proven to be an effective treatment approach in treating common mental health diagnoses such as clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The basic tenet of CBT is that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. What this means is that thoughts such as our interpretation and perspectives of events influences how we feel and act. Further, our mood can impact how we act and think about events and how we act can influence our feelings and thoughts. The classic example of the latter is if we smile long enough, we can actually improve our mood and feel happier!

How does CBT work?

CBT’s main goal is to help clients gain insight to themselves and learn to change unhealthy patterns to adaptive and healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT also focuses a lot on psychoeducation, meaning educating clients on important psychology-related topics such as healthy coping strategies, sleep hygiene, neuroscience of anxiety/depression, mindfulness practices, etc. Homework assignments are also another important component in CBT. Each session typically ends with the therapist and client collaborating on a homework assignment for the client to work on between sessions. These homework assignments provide clients an opportunity to practice new skills learned in sessions, giving space for lasting change.

Is CBT right for me?

CBT has a lot to offer, and as mentioned before, it is one of the most evidence based practices out there. Just make sure to visit a mental health professional for a screening of your symptoms and collaboratively discuss treatment goals to see if it is a good fit for you. Examples of mental health professionals include but are not limited to: Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, Professional Clinical Counselors, and Psychologists.

If you would like to get an idea of what some of the work looks like in CBT and if it aligns with what you’re looking for, you can check out the following link which discusses CBT in some more detail: https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-video/what-is-cbt/cbt/none

Hope this post helps in your search for a great therapist.

Cheers,

Dr. Jessica