What is CBT Therapy, and How Does It Work?
Hello, I’m Tanu Choksi, and today, I’d like to explore a therapeutic approach that has helped many people: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you’ve been considering therapy options, you might have heard about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and wondered what it’s all about. Let me take you through the basics of CBT therapy and how it can make a difference in your life.
Understanding CBT Therapy
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a well-established form of psychotherapy that explores the connections between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The fundamental idea of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that our thought processes play a crucial role in shaping how we feel and act. By modifying these thought patterns, we can effectively improve our emotional well-being and behavioural responses.
How Does CBT Therapy Work?
When I work with clients using CBT therapy, we start by identifying the specific issues or problems they’re facing. These can include anxiety, depression, stress, or other emotional and psychological challenges. Once we pinpoint the core issues, we explore the thoughts and beliefs contributing to these problems.
Identifying Cognitive Distortions
A fundamental aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is understanding that our thoughts often don’t accurately reflect reality. Usually, we fall into cognitive distortions—unhelpful and biased patterns of thinking. For instance, you might engage in catastrophizing, assuming the worst-case scenario, or adopt all-or-nothing thinking, where situations are seen as either perfect or a complete failure. CBT helps us identify these distortions and challenge their validity.
In our sessions, I use techniques like cognitive restructuring to address these distortions. This involves identifying and reframing negative or irrational thoughts into more balanced and realistic ones, helping reduce emotional distress and promote positive behaviours.
Behavioural Activation
Another important component of CBT is behavioural activation. This technique encourages you to participate in activities that are enjoyable or meaningful to you. When you’re feeling down or anxious, it’s easy to withdraw from activities you once enjoyed. By re-engaging in these activities, you can improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.
Exposure Techniques
For those struggling with anxiety or phobias, CBT employs exposure techniques. If you have a specific fear or avoidance behaviour, we work together to gradually and systematically confront these fears in a controlled and supportive manner. This approach gradually diminishes the fear response, making it more straightforward to handle situations that trigger anxiety.
The CBT Process
CBT therapy is structured and goal-oriented. Sessions are typically held on a weekly basis, and the duration of treatment varies depending on individual needs and progress. Some people experience significant improvement in a short period, while others may benefit from a longer-term approach.
In our sessions, I focus on a collaborative approach and active involvement. CBT goes beyond merely discussing issues; it’s about partnering to develop actionable strategies and solutions that fit into your everyday life. Together, we’ll set clear goals and monitor your progress to ensure that the therapy is achieving the desired results and helping you make meaningful strides toward your objectives.
Why Choose CBT Therapy?
One of the reasons CBT is so effective is its evidence-based nature. It has been extensively researched and consistently shows positive outcomes for a wide range of issues. CBT provides tools and techniques that you can use not only during therapy but also in everyday life, helping you manage challenges and maintain progress long after sessions end.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering CBT therapy, remember that it’s a collaborative process requiring openness and willingness to engage with the techniques and strategies. It’s about empowering you to make positive changes by addressing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
This gives you a clearer understanding of what CBT therapy is and how it works. If you have any questions or are interested in exploring CBT further, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you on your journey toward better mental health and well-being.