Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
ANSWERS
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment that is effective for various issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies indicate that CBT improves functioning and quality of life significantly. CBT has been shown in multiple studies to be as effective as, if not more effective than, other types of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
It is critical to note that advances in CBT have been made through research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods developed to result in change. CBT differs from many other types of psychological treatment in this way.
CBT is founded on several fundamental principles, including:
Part of the cause of psychological problems is faulty or unhelpful thinking.
Learned patterns of unhelpful behavior contribute to psychological problems.
People suffering from psychological issues can learn better-coping strategies, reducing their symptoms and becoming more effective in their daily lives.
CBT treatment typically entails efforts to alter thought patterns. Among these strategies are:
- Recognizing one’s thinking distortions causing problems and then reevaluating them in light of reality.
- Gaining a better understanding of other people’s motivations and behaviors.
- Using problem-solving abilities to deal with adversity.
- Developing a greater sense of confidence in one’s abilities
CBT treatment typically includes efforts to alter behavioral patterns. Among these strategies are:
- Rather than avoiding one’s fears, one should confront them.
- Role-playing to prepare for potentially complex interactions with others.
- Learning to relax one’s body and calm one’s mind.
Not all CBT will employ all of these techniques. Instead, the psychologist and patient/client work collaboratively to understand the problem and a treatment strategy.
CBT focuses on teaching individuals how to be their therapists. Patients/clients are assisted in developing coping skills through exercises in the session and “homework” exercises outside of sessions, allowing them to learn to change their thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.
CBT therapists focus on what is happening in the person’s current life rather than what has caused their difficulties. A certain amount of knowledge about one’s past is required, but the emphasis is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective coping mechanisms.
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