What Does CBT Stand For?
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 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 of unhealthy behaviors.
CBT didn’t invalidate Behavioral Therapy. Rather, it was built on the foundation to form a goal-oriented method of talk therapy that has fast become very effective and popular. It is the front-line treatment for a wide range of issues, conditions, and disorders. Let’s take a closer look.
Some Basics
CBT can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with medication
Sessions typically take place weekly but, in some cases, once every two weeks
These sessions can range from 30 to 60 minutes in length
A course of CBT may last anywhere from five to 20 sessions
CBT is not one-size-fits-all and your therapist will customize treatment specifically for your individual needs
The Core Principles of CBT Treatment
Those being treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are typically struggling with psychological issues. Your CBT therapist will be guided with the knowledge that such issues are partially due to the following:
Thoughts patterns that are unhelpful and detrimental
Behavior patterns that have been learned through dysfunctional experiences
Core beliefs that are counterproductive and inaccurate
Not surprisingly, CBT often focuses on altering one’s patterns of thinking. This is often accomplished via techniques like:
Recognizing and accepting that cognitive distortions are the source of your problems
Doing the work to comprehend why others behave as they do
Developing new skills to manage interpersonal challenges
Building confidence in your ability to learn, grow, and change
In addition, the “behavioral” aspect of CBT guides people to face their fears, be better prepared for life’s inevitable issues, and learn how to calm themselves regardless of the situation. With both the cognitive and behavioral components, the emphasis is on the person’s current life situation. Very little time is allotted to dissecting the past. Instead, you will be taught how to move forward in the healthiest possible way.
Overall, a primary goal of CBT is to empower clients. You will be given “homework” as you work to become your own therapist. The skills you learn have the potential to put you in control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This perhaps is CBT’s greatest gift — a general sense of confidence that one can handle the inevitable ups and downs of life.
When is CBT Used?
For people of all ages — from children to seniors — CBT has a stellar track record as a treatment for a broad spectrum of psychological conditions. These include but are not limited to:
Anxiety
Depression
Substance abuse
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Phobias
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Disordered eating
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Personality disorders
Bipolar Disorder (when combined with medication)
Schizophrenia (when combined with medication)
As for non-psychological problems and general life challenges, CBT has been proven effective for:
Grief
Insomnia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Relationship issues/divorce
Chronic pain (e.g. Fibromyalgia)
Migraines
Major life changes
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
General stress
Do You Want to Know More?
In future posts, I will compare and contrast CBT with other treatment protocols. Also, I’ll zero in on its effectiveness with people struggling with anxiety. But, for now, surely the above information has piqued your curiosity and inspired some questions. I’m more than happy to share more with you about the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Thus, I invite you to reach out soon to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Let’s get you on the path toward healing and recovery.
