What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

As more and more information emerges about different types of therapy that aim to help with overall mental health and wellness, it can be challenging to navigate the best options. Here’s a simple breakdown of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that can help inform you of what this treatment option might look like:

What is cognitive behavioral therapy, and how does it work?

This form of talk therapy aims to change the way you think, therefore changing the way you behave. According to experts at PsychDB, there are essentially five main components involved in CBT treatment:

1. Psychoeducation- tapping into and learning about anxiety/depression/fear triggers
2. Cognitive Restructuring- reframing mindsets and learning new coping mechanisms
3. Somatic Management- learning to relax the mind and body
4. Gradual Exposure- imagining, roleplaying, or even addressing feared situations in real life00
5. Behavioral Activation- putting new tools and techniques into practice

What is the difference between CBT and Counseling?

There are many different forms of talk therapy used for different purposes. Both Cognitive Behavioral Treatment and Counseling have numerous benefits, but the key difference here is the action involved.

Counseling generally involves speaking one-on-one, allowing patients to safely unpack some of their life’s challenges. Counselors will work with the patient, listening to what they have to say and helping assess what may be causing a patient to feel the way they do.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tends to focus more on changing thought patterns and behaviors in order to help patients overcome different things, like anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse.

Who needs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

While counseling is often recommended for anyone looking for someone to talk to, CBT is generally recommended for people who experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. 

This form of therapy works best for people who struggle with these because it helps restructure thoughts, feelings, and reactions to things that may seem scary or unknown. The goal is to help people overcome their depression or anxiety and reach a point where sessions serve as a tool for maintaining these healthy habits and thought patterns.

What can I expect during a CBT session?

While counselors aim to assess your specific needs during CBT Treatment, some overlapping themes generally apply to most people. Sessions typically include uncovering and addressing fears, behaviors and thought patterns during times of distress or high anxiety. 

Once these have been explored, then begins the process of creating new patterns that serve you better. From there, counselors often recommend keeping in mind the 3 C’s of CBT: catch it, check it, change it. That means acknowledging the pattern, observing it, and replacing it with a new coping strategy. 

Find Out if Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is Right for You

If you are considering or looking to explore the possibilities of CBT treatment, you’ve come to the right place. Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness offers a team of experts who are here to support you on your mental health journey. Contact our team to find out if CBT is right for you.