Spilling the Tea on CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Basics
CBT is considered by many in the psychological community to be the most widely utilized method of treatment to date due to its strong scientific backing. Most commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and depression (but applicable in treatment for many mental health issues), its effectiveness rate and practical self-help strategies make it an easy-to-adopt treatment in managing and changing those unhealthy thinking patterns in your brain. Because of its longstanding historical success, it is used as a basic premise in many other forms of therapy as well.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a modality of treatment that is based on the premise that our thoughts have the ability to create and influence our feelings, and in natural succession, influence our behaviors. CBT utilizes the Cognitive Behavioral Triangle (shown below) to show the reciprocity and influence that all three parameters play on one another.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in theory believes that by changing at least one part of the CBT triangle, you will then naturally or more easily shift and change the others. For example, if you can change faulty or unhealthy ways of thinking that are causing psychological problems, your feelings will follow suit and then you will more easily manage and implement healthier behavior patterns.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy plays out in real life between a therapist and client in that once an assessment is completed and background history from you is obtained, you both will collaborate on building a relationship, setting goals, and problem solving. You will implement new strategies learned and self-monitor as well as have accountability and support from your therapist to gain progress. A wide range of strategies are used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that include but are not limited to psychoeducation on CBT and other psychological concepts, journaling, cognitive restructuring and unraveling of cognitive distortions, relaxation techniques, in-session role playing and homework outside of session to apply knowledge gained.
CBT overall is a great form of treatment to help you reach your mental health goals in that it is easy to grasp, solution focused, goal directed and culturally adaptable!