Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychosocial therapy that assumes the individual seeking treatment has maladaptive, or counterproductive, thinking patterns, which in turn cause maladaptive behavior and “negative” emotions.
This type of therapy involves education, skill-building, and problem-solving. It may or may not be accompanied by medication.
These maladaptive behaviors are seen as the result of negative beliefs or thoughts, which become the focus of therapeutic work. Cognitive-behavioral treatment helps the individual to consciously form new thoughts that are more likely to bring the positive results he or she wants out of life. CBT is not a distinct, separate type of therapy, but rather a group of types of therapy that focus on short-term cognitive and behavioral changes.
Which Conditions Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help?
This approach can be used in any everyday situation where there is a persistent, unwanted belief and a corresponding maladaptive response.
For example, a young man does not date because he is certain that anyone he finds attractive would turn him down. Changing the thought and belief, along with practicing new behaviors, does wonders to create a more satisfying relationship life.
Other conditions that have shown improvement with the use of cognitive behavioral work include:
- Mood disorders
- Personality disorders
- Social phobias
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Addictions
- Anxiety
- Agoraphobia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep difficulties
This integrated approach has also proven helpful in cases of pain man agement involving arthritis and back pain.
When Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy Not Suitable?
If you do not have a specific belief or attitude that needs to be changed or improved, it is possible that psychotherapy, with a general approach, would be more helpful. In addition, people with severe psychosis or organic brain impairment would probably not be good candidates for this therapeutic approach.
How Can CBT Help Me?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you look a little deeper into the beliefs and thoughts that have led to your current circumstances, and will teach you how to take emphatic action toward creating a new, more positive existence.
You Are Not Alone
Beginning any form of therapy can be daunting, but just remember, you aren’t alone. You have the help of this book and all the knowledgeable research, writing, and experience that is behind it. All the changes that you seek will happen in increments. Keep in mind that it takes courage to deeply accept one’s part in the creation of unhappiness or troubled circumstances.
That awareness is an important first step in making desired changes.
The willingness to look at things in a different way is an important part of the picture. So is having the humility to ask for help. American culture has a vein of rugged individualism that was helpful when settling this country, but it is not helpful when you are exploring and taming the inner terrain of your mind. For that, you’ll need experienced guides.
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