Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the role of thought patterns in determining behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
One of the basic tenets of CBT is that our thinking controls our emotions and actions rather than external events or other people. CBT is an empowering form of therapy because it is based on the belief that by changing our thinking we can control our feelings and behavior.
CBT is a well-established mainstream form of therapy developed by American psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Beck in the 1960s. For many patients, it is a long-lasting alternative to medication. Evidence from hundreds of studies and clinical tests shows that CBT is an effective form of treatment for the following problems:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance Abuse
- Personality problems
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual disorders
- Phobias
CBT can be utilized in individual therapy sessions as well as group therapy settings. One of the distinguishing features of CBT compared to other forms of therapy is that it is time-limited. Because CBT is structured and targets specific issues, it usually requires fewer sessions than other unstructured forms of therapy. Most CBT treatment requires between 10 and 20 therapy sessions.
CBT involves discussion between patient and therapist about the patient’s thoughts, feelings and concerns. In initial discussions, the patient and therapist identify the behaviors and conditions that are causing problems in the patient’s life. Subsequent discussions are goal-oriented and may follow a predetermined agenda. The therapist will encourage the patient to discuss emotions and reactions that are related to the patient’s problems. Negative and incorrect thought patterns will be identified by the therapist, who will give the patient suggestions on how to adopt more positive and realistic ways of thinking.
CBT is known as a collaborative therapy because the therapist and patient work together as partners. The therapist learns about the patient’s goals and then helps the patient discover how to eliminate thinking and behaviors that work against attainment of these goals. The patient must play an active role in the treatment and share in all decision-making and goal-setting. CBT doesn’t attempt to remove all problems from a patient’s life. Instead, the goal is help the patient learn how to deal with problems in a non-destructive way.
CBT is an educational form of therapy, based on the scientifically demonstrated premise that behaviors, attitudes and thought patterns are learned The therapist helps the patient “unlearn” negative thinking and learn how to think in more positive and effective ways. As part of CBT, the therapist may ask the patient to complete assignments between sessions. This may include exercises such as journaling, reading or practicing new behaviors and mental processes. The final goal is for the patient to learn how to consistently adopt modes of thinking and behavior that are in keeping with his or her life goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is but one of many therapeutic techniques employed by The Rose in creating the “perfect blend” of addiction treatment for every woman.