Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively treats a variety of mental illnesses, from depression and anxiety to eating disorders. Many studies show that CBT significantly improves function and quality of life. CBT can be as effective, if not more so, than traditional therapies and medications. It focuses on several principles, including that mental health problems stem from unhealthy ways of thinking. Additionally, learned unhelpful behaviors can be replaced with learned coping skills to relieve symptoms.
How Does CBT Help?
CBT helps by learning to recognize distortions in thinking that create problems, as well as learning to understand the behavior and motivation of others. This type of therapy uses problem solving skills to cope with situations seen as difficult and helps build confidence of one’s abilities. It also involves effort to change behavioral patterns by facing fears, instead of avoiding them, and teaching ways to calm one’s body and mind.
The main focus of CBT is to help the individual, or client, learn to be their own therapist. Through homework and in-session exercises, the therapist assists the client in developing coping skills, which the client can then use to change their own view on life, as well as their thinking patterns and emotions. This type of therapy emphasizes the client’s current life, rather than the events leading up to their mental health concerns. The primary focus of CBT is to move forward with the client’s life and developing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with turmoil in the future.
What Are the Uses of CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy primarily treats anxiety and depression but is also effective for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. It can address various other mental illnesses and is beneficial for chronic health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia, which cause widespread pain.
What is the Therapy Structure? 
This therapy is usually weekly or biweekly, with “homework” between sessions. Treatments last 60 minutes and span 6 to 30 sessions, depending on individual needs. Sessions break down problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions, with your therapist helping identify and change unrealistic or unhelpful thoughts and feelings.
How Does CBT Work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used with or without medication and is often quicker than traditional talk therapies. Highly structured, CBT can be done one-on-one or in groups, and teaches everyday coping skills. Commitment is crucial for the best outcomes, as therapists usually have strict attendance policies. There is also homework to complete outside of sessions. CBT may not suit those with learning disabilities or complex mental illnesses and involves confronting emotions and fears directly. It focuses on changing individual thoughts and feelings, rather than broader issues like family or work-related problems. Those resistant to change might find CBT challenging.
So how does CBT work? Cognitive behavioral therapy works by breaking overwhelming problems into five smaller areas: Situations, thoughts, emotions, actions, and physical feelings. By focusing on these smaller sections, it breaks down a stressful or overwhelming situation into smaller, manageable ones. These five areas are oftentimes seen as connected, and they are known to affect each other. For example, if you feel uneasy about a situation, chances are, you may feel sick to your stomach, have negative thoughts, and you may retreat back into a safe place.
How Does CBT Help Solve Problems and Promote Positive Thinking?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is practical and helps identify and solve problems, focusing on the present. It involves collaboration between you and your therapist to stop negative thought cycles and encourage positive thinking. This optimism helps you learn from mistakes and accept challenges. For example, if a friend ends the relationship, CBT helps you see the positive side and move forward.
How Does CBT Use Exposure Therapy to Treat Phobias and OCD?
CBT includes exposure therapy to treat phobias and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by facing fears directly. It’s more effective to act than to talk about it. This repetitive process reduces anxiety over time. Sessions may last up to 15 hours, progressively increasing exposure to fears.
CBT is highly effective and widely used globally. It requires both in-session and at-home work, which can be time-consuming, but offers significant benefits with commitment. Whether done individually or in groups, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a prominent and effective therapy, especially in America.
Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand that reaching out for help is difficult, especially when dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues. We can help through online therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, or Utah or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Remember, your mental health is important—take the time to care for yourself.
