What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
It might seem odd to think of our thoughts as deceiving us, but sometimes, that’s exactly what happens. While we experience our thoughts as objective fact, the reality is that they are often filtered with our interpretation. Whether it’s using black and white thinking, or ‘awfulizing’/thinking the worst, our skewed thoughts about the world around us can contribute to anxiety, depression and frustrating inner struggles. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the connection between our inward beliefs/thought patterns and our outward behaviors. This form of therapy is effective in treating a wide variety of symptoms, and can be especially beneficial if you suffer from depression or anxiety.
CBT is an effective tool in the treatment of many conditions. One of its strengths is that it is easily adaptable to a variety of individuals and circumstances. For example, it can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication or other types of treatment. It can also be used independently, in a group, or with the guidance of a therapist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can positively affect your mood and behavior by helping you to change your perceptions. Although it does take effort, CBT is one of the most effective treatments for mental health conditions, and can have a lasting effect on your life. If you feel that you might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, contact a professional therapist who can answer your questions, give you more information on CBT, and help you through the process.
In cognitive behavioral therapy, you will learn to identify negative thought patterns and see how those mental habits influence your life and how you perceive the world. Once you recognize this, CBT can help you adjust to a more positive and realistic way of thinking—one that can help you to face your fears, build confidence, and enable you to live a freer, fuller life.
