What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Definition

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of talk therapy where you work with a mental health counselor over a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively.¹

How Effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment has been proven to be effective for a variety of conditions. Studies have shown that CBT treatment is between 65-90% effective for the treatment of panic disorders, general anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, phobias, and OCD.²

Benefits of CBT

CBT can have many benefits, including:

• Better communication skills
• More positive thoughts
• Learn coping skills
• Learn how to manage emotions
• Provides support
• Raises self-esteem
• Relapse prevention

What Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Be Used to Treat?

Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can be used to treat a variety of conditions; these will be detailed below.

Different Types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Depending on the type of condition you are struggling with, there are many different types of cognitive behavioral therapy that may be used for treatment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy is often used to treat suicidal and other self-destructive behaviors. The differentiating factor of DBT from CBT is that DBT therapy focuses more on accepting a client’s experience to reassure them as they change negative behaviors.⁴

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational emotive behavior therapy focuses more on an individual’s present thoughts and actions, rather than their previous life experiences. Therapists who practice REBT believe that focusing on the present is a more effective way for clients to learn to cope and manage negative thoughts and emotions.⁵

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy is an action-oriented approach to psychotherapy. ACT therapy focuses on actions, and positive habits clients can put in place in their daily lives to help treat their condition.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy uses mindfulness techniques to help individuals create more positive thoughts and behaviors. MBCT therapists will use guided meditation, deep breathing techniques, and yoga to help clients through what they are struggling with.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that is often used for those who struggle with anxiety or phobias. Exposure therapy involves being exposed to situations or things that cause someone distress to learn to cope with anxiety or phobias from situations that occur in everyday life.

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

When a client participates in cognitive behavioral therapy, they will go through a four-step process to help them better manage their condition over time. These steps are:

• Understanding the problem: During CBT treatment, your therapist will work with you to better understand the problem and its root causes. This will help you and your therapist gain valuable insights on ways the condition can be treated. 

• Asking questions: Your therapist will ask you questions that will help them better understand the problem and ways they can help. Answering questions honestly will help both you and your therapist, so you can get the most effective treatment. 

• Recognizing problematic thoughts and behaviors: CBT treatment will help you recognize problematic thoughts and behaviors, so you can learn to cope and manage them over time. 

• Adjusting thoughts and behaviors: Techniques used during therapy sessions will help you adjust thoughts and behaviors to develop more positive thinking patterns.

CBT Can Be an Effective Treatment Choice. Get Started Today!

CBT can be an effective treatment choice for many different conditions. If you think you or someone you know may be struggling with a condition that can be treated with CBT, there are many resources available that can help.

How to Get Started with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

If you want to get started with cognitive behavioral therapy, talking to your doctor or contacting a treatment center for CBT can be a good first step.

What to Expect in Your First Session

During your first treatment session, your CBT therapist will ask you questions to learn about your problem and identify ways they can help. Your therapist will then provide you with information about the treatment process and may provide you with actionable steps you can take to begin managing your condition and symptoms during your daily life.

Find Help at Great Oaks Recovery Center

During your first treatment session, your CBT therapist will ask you questions to learn about your problem and identify ways they can help. Your therapist will then provide you with information about the treatment process and may provide you with actionable steps you can take to begin managing your condition and symptoms during your daily life.

CBT treatment for addiction is available during the treatment process at Great Oaks. The educated treatment professionals at Great Oaks will help you every step of the way as you recover from addiction and work through CBT treatment sessions.