Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people change the way they think and behave to improve their mental health. CBT can be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Other therapies, such as cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy, also focus on changing thoughts and behaviors, but cognitive behavioral therapy is unique in that it combines both of these approaches. Know more about cognitive behavioral therapy and how it works.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that is used to treat many mental health conditions. It is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs influence our actions and emotions. Therefore, by changing our thoughts and beliefs, we can change our behavior and improve our emotional well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. It can also be used to help people cope with stress, relationship problems, and chronic pain. If you are struggling with a mental health issue, cognitive behavioral therapy may be an effective treatment option for you.
Types of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), is a form of cognitive behavior therapy that combines traditional talk therapy with meditation. The goal of MBCT is to help the patient develop a non-judgmental, present-oriented attitude towards their thoughts and feelings.
This type of therapy can be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorders, mental illness, and depressive symptoms. One of the main benefits of MBCT is that it can help to treat the underlying causes of these conditions, rather than just the symptoms. In addition, MBCT is effective in preventing relapse for those who have previously been treated for depression.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that uses techniques like problem-solving and finding acceptance to help people effectively manage powerful emotions and mental health conditions.
DBT is highly effective in treating borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
One of the key ways that DBT helps people is by teaching them effective coping mechanisms. For example, those who benefit from DBT often learn how to see the middle ground of things or situations that they are in.
Additionally, DBT can also help people gain the coping skills they need to effectively manage their emotions and avoid crises.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), is a type of talk therapy that can help you understand and cope with difficult emotions. Unlike some other therapeutic approaches, this CBT treatment does not aim to simply eliminate negative feelings. Instead, the goal of ACT is to help you develop a deeper understanding of your emotions. This understanding can then be used to make positive behavioral changes in your life.
Studies have shown that ACT is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including depression, social anxiety disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and chronic pain.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is an active-oriented therapy approach that helps you identify irrational beliefs like self-defeating feelings and thoughts. You’ll learn how to actively challenge irrational thoughts and eventually be able to recognize and change your thought patterns. Ultimately, REBT teaches you to replace negative thoughts with healthier, more productive beliefs.
REBT is one of the types of CBT that’s been shown effective in treating individuals dealing with: anxiety, guilt, depression, inappropriate or extreme anger, unhealthy eating, aggression, and procrastination.
By helping you to understand the connection between your thoughts and your feelings, REBT can equip you with the tools you need to manage negative feelings healthily.
What Makes CBT Different From Other Psychotherapies?
CBT is different from other psychological therapy because CBT is:
- Pragmatic
- Highly structured in a manner that you may only talk about the key issues and set objectives for you to achieve.
- Present-centered therapy does not dwell on past experiences; rather, it relies on how you think and act in the present moment.
- Collaborative
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by problems, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you by breaking the issue down into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces are your:
- Thoughts
- Emotions
- Physical Feelings
- Actions
- Situations
CBT is a type of therapy that is conducted by a licensed mental health professional and focuses on the interconnectedness of these smaller pieces.
During CBT sessions, you will learn how to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that are contributing to your distress. You will also learn healthy coping skills for dealing with stressors in your life. Through CBT, you can develop a greater understanding of your problems and learn how to effectively manage them.
CBT is usually carried out with a therapist in 1-to-1 sessions or in groups with other people in a similar situation to you. If you have CBT on an individual basis, you’ll usually meet with a CBT therapist for between 5 and 20 weekly or fortnightly sessions, with each session lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Exposure therapy sessions usually last longer to ensure your anxiety reduces during the session. The therapy may take place:
- Clinic
- Outdoors, if you have specific fears in the clinic
- At home, particularly if you have agoraphobia or OCD involving specific items at home.
- Online
Your CBT therapist can be any healthcare professional who has been specially trained in CBT, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, mental health nurse, or general practitioner. They will use techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy to help you challenge negative thoughts and behaviors and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stressful situations. In some cases, your therapist may also prescribe medications to help treat your condition.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Mental Health Conditions
Studies have shown that CBT alone is 50-75% effective for overcoming depression and anxiety after 5 – 15 modules. Medication can also be effective in treating mental illness, however, science still does not understand the long-term effects of medication on the brain and body.
Medication and CBT combined are most effective in helping people overcome mental illness. Cognitive behavioral interventions like CBT often include exposure therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps people confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment.
Benefits of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT is a type of therapy that is gaining popularity due to its many proven benefits. CBT is a short-term therapy, typically lasting for only a few sessions.
During CBT, patients work with a therapist to identify coping mechanisms for dealing with negative thoughts and emotions. Unlike some other types of therapy, CBT does not require patients to take prescribed medications or explore their past to be effective. For many people, this makes CBT an attractive option for improving their emotional health.
Start Getting Better Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Do It With Milestone Health Center
You don’t have to face your emotional challenges alone, here at Milestone Health Center we have the best cbt therapists ready to help you get better.
We are your trusted healthcare provider when it comes to your psychological needs for your mental health condition.
We offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Abuse, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and all the other forms of CBT for those who need help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out! Milestone Health Center is a call away!