CBT: What to Know and What to Expect
The therapy world is filled with a lot of unknowns. If you’re not familiar with the therapy world or all of the different conditions or treatment options, it can all seem a bit overwhelming.
On top of already feeling like there is too much information to navigate, the therapy world doesn’t make it easy with all of its different acronyms — it’s filled with them.
While acronyms are typically used to make words or phrases easier to navigate, we’re here to help break it down a bit further for you.
Let’s take a deeper dive into one of the most common acronyms in the therapy world: CBT. Here’s what to know and what to expect when it comes to cognitive behavioral therapy.
What Is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy option that helps individuals learn how to identify any negative thought patterns that they have. With the help of this form of therapy, a therapist will work with the client so they learn how to challenge and change those negative patterns into more positive ones that can have a positive influence over a person’s emotions and behaviors.
What Does CBT Help With
CBT is used to treat a wide variety of different mental health conditions such as the following:
- Addiction
- Anger issues
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Divorce
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Low self-esteem
- Managing stress
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Relationship issues
The Techniques of CBT
While CBT works to identify negative thought patterns, this isn’t all that this form of therapy has to offer. There are a variety of different strategies that a therapist will use when using this form of treatment. Here are a few of the different techniques that are used during cognitive behavioral therapy:
- Identifying Negative Thought Patterns
- Tracking Your Behaviors
- Solving Problems
- Setting Goals
- Practicing New Skills
What to Expect with CBT
So you may be wondering what a CBT session looks like. During CBT, your therapist and you will work together to identify any negative thought patterns that may be affecting your emotions and behavior. You may focus on something that happened in your past or what’s currently taking place in your day-to-day life right now.
Throughout your treatment or a set number of sessions, you will work towards challenging and replacing those negative thoughts. A session may involve working through different exercises with your therapists or reflecting on previous sessions to examine the progress that you’ve made. Your therapist may also assign you activities or homework assignments to work out in between therapy sessions.
What to Consider Before Getting Started with CBT
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treatment for mental conditions. That’s why many different therapy options can be tailored to fit you and your needs. As with anything in life, there are both positives and negatives when it comes to CBT. Here are some things to consider before deciding to go through with CBT:
- Change can be difficult to navigate.
- CBT is a very structured form of therapy.
- You have to be willing to put in the work to change.
- Progress can be slow and gradual.
Next Steps
Cognitive behavioral therapy may be a great option for you. It’s important to set up a consultation with a licensed and trained mental health professional to see if CBT is a good option for you. Make sure you go into the appointment with an open mind and any questions that you want to address.
Knowing that you want to make a change in your life is the first step to actually making those changes. While changes can be hard, we’re here to help you implement those changes and make sure they stick. Reach out today to learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)!