Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Principles, Strategies, and More

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions. Mental health practitioners may use CBT techniques to help clients manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

Participating in CBT can help you identify and alter harmful thoughts and behaviors. Research shows that people who receive cognitive behavioral therapy experience significant improvements in quality of life and functioning. Most mental health experts consider CBT to be the most effective form of therapy. Research shows it may be as effective as taking psychiatric medications for certain conditions.

This article will explore cognitive behavioral therapy. You will learn:

• The core principles of cognitive behavioral therapy
• How CBT can help to treat mental health conditions
• Where to find cognitive behavioral therapy in Palm City, Florida

If you or someone you love has a mental health condition and requires treatment, you are not alone. Reach out to the Palm City Wellness specialists to learn more about our comprehensive mental health treatment programs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: An Overview

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that can help people change destructive thoughts and behaviors. Mental health practitioners may offer CBT to clients facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including:[1,2]

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Eating disorders
• Marriage or relationship problems
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Research into CBT’s effectiveness has found that this therapeutic approach can result in fewer destructive thought patterns.[2] It can also lead to lasting behavioral changes and other long-term positive outcomes.

While the effects of CBT may be long-term, cognitive behavioral therapy is a short-term therapeutic approach. Therapists may work with clients for a limited time. During this period, the therapist and client work to address specific thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

CBT is effective in short periods. This makes it a popular option for time-limited programs, such as substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs.

Understanding the Core Principles of CBT

There are several core principles and strategies therapists use during therapy sessions. Here is an overview of CBT principles and strategies.

CBT core principles

Several core principles define cognitive behavioral therapy. They are:[3]

• Learned patterns of destructive behaviors can contribute to mental health conditions
• People with mental health conditions can learn and use new coping skills to reduce symptoms
• Mental health problems arise from faulty or destructive thoughts and feelings

These principles guide the work people do in cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. During therapy, people work to identify their destructive thoughts and behaviors. They develop new, healthy strategies to handle stress and challenges.

CBT strategies

The general goal of CBT is to help people examine their thoughts and behaviors and identify unhelpful patterns. Then, people work to develop new ways of thinking and behaving. There are several strategies used in CBT, including:[1,3]

• Learning to recognize how distorted thoughts can create problems
• Learning to think about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in new ways
• Developing a broader understanding of others’ behaviors and motivations
• Increasing your ability to solve problems
• Developing more confidence in your ability to manage challenges
• Learning to face fears instead of hiding from them
• Learning new methods to calm the mind and body
• Participating in role play to “rehearse” conflicts

Like most therapeutic interventions, CBT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Mental health practitioners may incorporate other therapeutic methods, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or psychodynamic therapy.

How is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Different From Other Approaches?

Cognitive behavioral therapy stands apart from other types of talk therapy in several ways. Here is an overview of the aspects of CBT that make it unique.

Focused on change

Some other therapies require people to explore the roots of their problems before attempting to change them. People may work with their therapist for a long time to examine past experiences, trauma, and more.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on correcting harmful thoughts and behaviors in the present. People learn effective, practical strategies to make meaningful changes in their thinking and behaviors.

Highly-structured

In many other types of psychotherapy, therapists encourage their clients to talk freely. Clients spend time expressing thoughts, feelings, and experiences as they arise.

Cognitive behavioral therapy sessions are highly structured. People work with their therapist to address specific concerns and learn new strategies to make lasting changes.

Problem-oriented

People with a wide range of mental health conditions may benefit from CBT. This form of therapy encourages people to address specific problems that impact their lives. For instance, people with substance use disorder may set a goal to stop using addictive substances. People then work with a therapist to develop a targeted plan to work toward solving the problem.

Find CBT in Palm City, Florida

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, comprehensive treatment is available at Palm City Wellness. Contact our intake team now to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. American Psychological Association (APA): What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): In brief: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
3. Sage Journals: The key principles of cognitive behavioral therapy