Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of therapeutic treatments for overcoming anxiety, depression, and addiction. Scientists claim that after 5-15 modules of therapy, this treatment is 50-75% effective. Modern-day psychological treatments typically utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, together with pharmaceuticals, to achieve a patient’s goals. The philosophy behind CBT is to reframe a person’s thinking so they can ultimately change their negative behaviors and thought patterns.
Types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a broad scientific term for a range of approaches and techniques aimed at addressing negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Depending on the patient, a psychotherapist may opt for a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy to induce improvement in their patient. Regardless of the type of therapy used, each form is designed to address the underlying negative thought patterns and beliefs within the subject.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on identifying distorted and inaccurate thought patterns in the patient. CPT also extends to behaviors and emotional responses. A distorted thought pattern can often act as a trigger and the point of this form of therapy is to change those ways of thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of therapy concentrating more on specific thoughts and behaviors. Patients undergoing DBT will spend their time incorporating new strategies to better regulate their emotions. Mindfulness also plays a significant role in DBT. Patients are taught about how to handle specific triggers and how they can step back and make better decisions for themselves and those around them.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Patients who are dictated by their own irrational beliefs are ideal candidates for REBT. Psychotherapists delivering REBT sessions will focus on identifying these influential beliefs and actively challenge them. Successful REBT sessions will involve patients learning how they can recognize these dangerous thought patterns, and then alter them.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used For?
CBT is commonly used to help treat addicts. The effectiveness of this type of therapy is based on the fact it has shown to be incredibly effective in the short-term and when patients need to resolve a specific problem. It forms the bedrock of modern addiction treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be found in practically every addiction treatment clinic in the U.S. for a reason. Therapists may use CBT to treat a range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, panic attacks, phobias, and issues with stress.
Patients undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy for the first time will discover it is highly focused and takes a goal-orientated approach. Therapists are known for taking active roles and patients will often be expected to complete exercises between sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy follows four different steps. The concept of this therapy is to identify troubling situations, such as divorce, anger, or a medical condition. This is followed by exercises showing patients how they can become aware of their thoughts and emotions.
Patients are taught how to become self-aware of inaccurate thoughts/beliefs and any negativity. The idea behind CBT is not to banish negative thinking but to acknowledge it. The final step in a successful process is to permanently reshape and rethink negative and inaccurate thoughts. Naturally, the final step is the most difficult step of all and can take months and years to fully achieve.
How to Prepare for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
All forms of therapy represent a major challenge in a patient’s life. Cognitive behavioral therapy is not just about talking, it is about taking action. These sessions can be stressful because therapists will encourage their charges to actively challenge their thoughts and beliefs. The best way to approach CBT is to see the process as a partnership. Patients perform best when they eliminate any resistance they may have and to attend each session with an open mind.
Unlike other forms of therapy, the relationship between patient and doctor is not similar to that of a teacher and a student. It is about collaboration and working towards a common goal. These sessions may not always be comfortable, but have trust in science and accept the necessity of breaking down these mental barriers.
Consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Aquila Recovery
Psychotherapy has come a long way in the last few decades. Scientists know more about the human mind than they have at any point in history. CBT and the types of therapy that make up this therapeutic approach form the bedrock of treatments for a range of conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy has achieved outstanding results within the field of addiction treatment. Call us at 202.618.9125 or Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic for more information on how CBT works and how it can be used to improve your life.