Here’s What to Expect From Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
No matter if you’re completely new to therapy or your therapist recommended a treatment option for you, you’ve probably heard of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, before.
Trying something new can make you nervous and anxious. The unknown is nerve-wracking. Even if the topic is something as safe and secure as therapy, you still want to learn more about it before you dive in headfirst.
As with anything new in your life, you want to learn more about it. You want to make sure it’s a good fit for you, your wants and needs, finances, and more.
We’re here to help. Here’s what to expect from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a type of therapy approach that can help you recognize negative thoughts and/or behavior patterns. During a CBT session, individuals will be able to learn how to identify and change the destructive thought patterns that are having a negative impact on their emotions and behavior.
During a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy session, an individual will work to focus on their present thoughts and beliefs.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Used For?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Here are a few of the conditions that CBT has been used for:
- Addiction
- Anger issues
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Divorce
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Stress management
- Panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
What to Expect
Since CBT focuses on an individual’s present thoughts and beliefs, it’s necessary to identify, challenge, and change those views during the treatment sessions.
A therapist will work with you to help come up with a new way to view any fears or negative thoughts in a more manageable and positive way. An exact CBT treatment will vary from person to person depending on their negative thoughts, beliefs, and any symptoms they’re experiencing.
A CBT session could involve any of the following:
- Completes homework assignments in between their therapy sessions
- Implementing ways to cope and calm their body and mind
- Individual therapy sessions
- Keeps a journal
- Group therapy sessions
- Receiving constant feedback
- Participating in role-playing activities
- Practices coping mechanisms and skills to promote change
Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
One of the main benefits of CBT is that it helps individuals develop healthier thought patterns. When an individual becomes aware of their negative and unrealistic thought patterns, they’re able to help change their perspective and increase their mood.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions and disorders. The sessions can be done either in person or online. It’s also a very affordable treatment option where results can be seen in as little as 5 to 20 sessions.
Next Steps
Before diving into Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, make sure you talk with a therapist to make sure if it’s the best fit for you. If you’re already working with a therapist, they’ll be able to help you determine the next steps in helping to prepare you for your first session.
If you’re new to CBT or therapy completely, you should first set up a consultation with a therapist to see if CBT is the right option for you. During your first sessions with a therapist, they will work with you to learn more about your history, any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing, and what you’d like to see out of therapy before determining the next steps or an action plan.
There are many different forms of therapy out there. Don’t delay getting the help that you deserve. Contact us today so we can get you back on track to living your life to the fullest again.
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