Cognitive-behavioral therapy otherwise referred to by the acronym CBT is a type of psychological treatment. It’s useful for a variety of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, marital problems, and several cases of mental illness. Evidence suggests that this therapy is just as or more effective than psychiatric medications or other forms of psychological treatment. At Washburn House, we can explain the answer to the question,”What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?” to help you better understand its benefits.
Why is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used?
When you’re wondering, “What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?” you will learn that it’s a method professionals use for treating a wide variety of issues. Many prefer this method because it offers quick solutions for identifying and coping with challenges. Compared to other therapies, it requires fewer sessions, and professionals can make use of structured processes. For example, professionals use cognitive treatment in a variety of ways, including:
- Coping with grief or loss
- Dealing with a mental illness
- Identifying ways for managing emotions
- Learning skills for handling life’s stressful situations
- Managing chronic physical symptoms
- Overcoming emotional traumas related to violence or abuse
- Resolving conflicts and learning communication skills
Diving Deeper Into Defining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Understanding the answer to the question, “What is cognitive-behavioral therapy” involves diving deeper into its meaning. Professionals use talk therapy to interrogate and uproot irrational or negative beliefs. The main reason is that the basis of cognitive-behavioral therapy hinges on the thought that perceptions and ideas influence behaviors. For example, if someone feels distressed, that could distort their reality. The goal behind cognitive behavioral therapy is identifying harmful thoughts, assessing if they’re accurate depictions of reality, and employing strategies for challenging or overcoming them.
Learning more about the question, “What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?” also involves understanding that individuals become their own therapists. For example, patients and therapists collaborate to develop a clear picture of what the issue is and how to develop a treatment strategy. Additionally, patients do homework exercises that help them develop coping skills. In doing so, they’re changing their thought processes, behavior, and problematic emotions.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? What are its Benefits?
Individuals who are struggling with a specific issue benefit the most from cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of treatment has a particular focus and goals. For example, if someone feels vaguely unfulfilled or unhappy, this might not be the best therapy option.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is beneficial for those who are struggling with:
- Adolescent or childhood problems
- Anger management issues
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
How is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practiced?
Instead of focusing on childhood events, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on circumstances and emotions that are happening now in real-time. Even though professionals ask patients about their family history, they don’t spend much time on that. Instead, they use that information to get a better sense of the patient. Cognitive-behavioral therapy emphasizes on what patients are telling themselves that might be causing issues. You will be able to evaluate how your thought processes and emotions influence your behavioral patterns. Then, you can identify negative behavioral patterns, and create coping strategies to put an end to these adverse functions. After that, you work on choosing healthier patterns that will help you recover from addiction in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Are you wondering about the question, what is cognitive-behavioral therapy? Do you believe that you or someone you know could benefit from this form of treatment? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, contact Washburn House at 855.298.3104 today to learn more about what cognitive behavioral therapy is and the different ways we can help.