What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)? It is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people identify and change unhelpful or harmful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This form of treatment has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and more. Through this process of self-reflection and exploration of thought patterns and behavioral responses to certain situations, CBT helps arm people with healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with the challenges they face in their lives.
At Northpoint Omaha, we specialize in using this highly effective and evidence-based form of psychotherapy to help individuals overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction. Our skilled clinicians use cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify patterns of negative thinking and behavior related to the presenting issue. To discover more cognitive-behavioral therapy information and how it is used within our many programs, reach out to our team of experts today at 888.687.8014.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals manage and overcome their mental health issues. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors in order to improve the overall quality of life. CBT is a short-term, solution-focused approach to treatment, which involves teaching patients practical strategies to help them cope with difficult situations.
The effectiveness of CBT is largely attributed to its ability to be customized for each individual’s unique needs. By identifying the root cause of the problem, the therapist can tailor treatment plans that target specific issues while taking into account the client’s personal values and beliefs. This flexibility allows CBT to address various types of mental health concerns, such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance abuse or addiction issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
CBT seeks to help individuals learn new skills for managing and resolving problems, as well as understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Through this process, patients are able to identify and modify their own assumptions and develop healthier ways of thinking about themselves and their relationships. This improved mindset can then be used to guide more effective behavior changes, which can lead to increased satisfaction in life.
How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Works
In a typical CBT session, the therapist will ask questions about the patient’s history, current behavior patterns, and any recent events that may have triggered any negative emotions or reactions. The therapist will use this information to assess where the patient is emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally.
Next, the therapist may work with the patient to identify any irrational beliefs or maladaptive behaviors that are preventing them from making positive progress. These patterns are often very difficult to identify on your own, which makes CBT interventions particularly helpful for patients who may be stuck in repetitive and destructive patterns, as often are found in addiction.
The therapist will then help the patient create personalized strategies for changing these patterns in order to improve their overall emotional well-being. These strategies typically involve activities such as journaling, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing), focused self-talk exposure therapy, problem-solving skills practice, and more.
Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Growth and Healing at Northpoint Omaha
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool to help people manage mental health conditions. By understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact with one another and impact our lives, we can learn techniques for managing difficult emotions in healthier ways. With the guidance of an experienced therapist or coach, anyone can benefit from participating in cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle. For more information, reach out to our team of treatment experts today at 888.687.8014 or via our online form.