Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Welcome to our mental health practice's webpage on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Our practice provides evidence-based therapies, and CBT is one of our specialties.
CBT is a goal-oriented and evidence-based therapy approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that changing one can lead to changes in the others.
CBT helps clients understand how thoughts and feelings influence behaviors. It is applicable to a variety of behavioral health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality, eating, substance-related, psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. It also treats a wide range of disorders including health issues; family, work and school problems.
CBT is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. The therapist works with the client to identify negative thought patterns that contribute to their distressing feelings and behaviors. Then, the therapist helps the client develop new ways of thinking and behaving that can lead to better outcomes.
CBT can be conducted in individual or group therapy sessions and typically involves homework assignments that clients complete between sessions. The therapy is often short-term, with sessions lasting between 12-20 weeks.
Why Choose CBT?
CBT is a highly effective treatment for mental health conditions, and research shows that it is as effective as medication in treating depression and anxiety. Additionally, CBT has been shown to have long-lasting benefits, even after therapy ends.
Some of the benefits of CBT include:
* CBT is an evidence-based treatment approach.
* CBT is a short-term therapy approach.
* CBT can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the client.
* CBT can be used in combination with medication.
* CBT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health conditions.
The therapeutic approaches of CBT differ according to clients presenting problems. Techniques may include:
- Journaling significant events and accompanying feelings, thoughts and behaviors
- Questioning and testing thoughts and beliefs that may be unhelpful and unrealistic
- Facing activities which may have been avoided
- Role playing new ways of behaving and acting
- Relaxation, mindfulness, and distraction techniques
Effectiveness of CBT
CBT is most effective when clients are ready and willing to spend the necessary time and effort analyzing their thoughts and feelings and completing homework assignments during sessions. Although any therapy can be difficult, it is necessary for clients to learn how internal thoughts impact outward behaviors and to learn and use tools that can help them to change. CBT is also well suited for people looking for short-term treatment options that do not necessarily involve medication. One major benefit of CBT is that it helps clients develop new skills that can be useful now and in the future.
CBT and Pharmacotherapy
CBT is compatible with pharmacotherapy. When used in combination with medication, CBT interventions include supporting the client in following a regular medication schedule. CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and possibly more effective than pharmacological treatments in the long-term. In addition, CBT has been shown as an effective treatment for clinical depression. Higher results of response and remission of symptoms are shown when a form of CBT and anti-depressant drug were combined than when either modality was used alone (Keller et al., 2000).
Our Approach to CBT
At our mental health practice, we take a personalized approach to CBT. We understand that every client is unique and has different needs, so we tailor our treatment to meet each client's specific goals and challenges.
Our therapists are licensed, trained and experienced in CBT. We have a deep understanding of the underlying principles of this therapy approach. We work collaboratively with clients to help them identify negative patterns of thinking and behavior and develop new strategies to improve their mental health.
We also understand the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for our clients. Our therapists are empathetic and non-judgmental, and they create a space where clients can feel heard and understood.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about CBT or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please contact us today. We are committed to helping our clients achieve better mental health and wellbeing, and we look forward to working with you.