How Is CBT Different Than Other Types Of Therapy?
In the first part of this CBT-related series, we broke down the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Here’s a quick refresher: The concept of Behavioral Therapy has been around for a very long time. It is designed to offer solutions for people stuck in patterns of counterproductive behavior. Eventually, CBT added the “cognitive” component. Put simply, it identifies one’s distorted thought patterns as a major cause behind unhealthy behaviors.
Next, let’s explore how CBT is distinct from other forms of therapy. This is not a contest or competition, of course. Rather, the goal is to help you find the treatment that is best suited for you.
A Few Different Types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is different from other types of therapy. Within the realm of CBT, however, there are also differences. Here are some of the most common forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: As the name implies, clients work to accept their emotions and thoughts instead of allowing them to create guilt or shame.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): An evidence-based form of CBT that helps with emotional regulation. DBT has been found to be effective for conditions and problems like mood disorders, personality disorders, interpersonal conflicts, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Again, the name gives us a clue to its intentions. ERP exposes people — safely and gradually — to anything that may trigger a negative response. As you might imagine, this approach is often used with OCD.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: You can view this as a blend of traditional CBT with practices like mindfulness and meditation.
What Makes Any Type of CBT Unique?
Lots of people equate therapy with excavating and exploring the past. CBT doesn’t ignore the past but it is far more focused on creating changes in your current behavior. With that in mind, here are some of the distinct elements that make CBT an effective option:
Duration: CBT usually lasts for no more than 10 to 20 sessions.
Structure: To stick to a limited number of sessions (see above) requires both the therapist and client to remain structured and focused.
Focus: The focus here is on outcomes in the present. If you are in a crisis, the goal is not to first figure out what is the root cause. Rather, with CBT, the goal is to end the crisis as quickly as possible.
Education: Someone who has been through CBT treatment learns how to be their own therapist. This empowers them to develop the skills they need to problem-solve after treatment is over. CBT creates independent people.
Homework: Part of the above-mentioned education is old-fashioned homework. Clients learn how to smoothly implement their new skills in their daily life.
What Problems Can CBT Help With?
Your CBT therapist is well-positioned to work with you on a wide range of issues and concerns. These may include:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Panic disorder
Phobias
In my next two posts, we’ll learn more about how CBT is used to treat both anxiety and depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Unique Option to Help You Thrive
Therapy has a well-deserved reputation for helping people in need. Each style of therapy has its merits and, obviously, CBT is widely used and respected. Ultimately, however, it is about the therapist and the client. They commit together to creating change and results. This is a collaboration and it begins with a free and confidential consultation.
I invite you to reach out now to schedule that conversation. Let’s connect and discuss all the possibilities. CBT may be the solution you have been looking for in anxiety therapy.
