
There are many types of therapies available for various types of conditions. Some of which include Interpersonal psychotherapy– focused on relieving symptoms by improving interpersonal functions, Dialectical behavior therapy– a type of talking therapy similar to CBT, and Psychodynamic psychotherapy– therapy designed to recognize negative patterns of behavior and feelings rooted from past experiences.
We will discuss those types of therapies another day. Today, Can-Am Interventions would like to bring awareness of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and provide some understanding of its many benefits. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness.
Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
CBT is based on several core principles, including:
- Psychological problems that are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Psychological problems that are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
- Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to re-evaluate them in light of reality.
- Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
- Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
- Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:
- Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.
- Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
- Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.
Not all CBT treatment will use all of the strategies listed above. Rather, the psychologist and patient/client work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.
CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the session as well as “homework” exercises outside of sessions, patients/clients learn to develop coping skills, training them to learn new habits of changing their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.
CBT therapists emphasize what is going on in the person’s current life, rather than what has led up to their difficulties. A certain amount of information about one’s history is needed, but the focus is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping with life.
Help?
CBT, and other therapies comparable to CBT, have proven to be very effective for our mental and physical well-being, but can prove to be complicated to achieve on our own. Acquiring professional assistance to help us achieve the benefits of this therapy is highly recommended. Can-Am Interventions promotes the health of both our physical and mental well-being, as well to educate on sustaining these practices for longevity of healthy living. We are here to provide the council needed for treatment specifically designed for you and to guide throughout the process. If it is you that requires treatment, or someone you care about, please reach out to us today. Our sole purpose is to help you at all stages of your recovery.
For More Information:
E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W: www.canaminterventions.com
1-800-638-1812 Toll Free Internationally 415-827-3725 Text 415-578-2875 Office
Written by Rob Baird