Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy, or psychotherapy, that is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and emotional concerns. It’s a structured, goal-oriented approach that helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
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CBT is based on several core principles:
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Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
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Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
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People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
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CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
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Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
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Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
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Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
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Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
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CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:
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Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.
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Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
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Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.
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CBT can be an effective tool to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations. It’s often the preferred type of psychotherapy because it can quickly help you identify and cope with specific challenges. It generally requires fewer sessions than other types of therapy and is done in a structured way.
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Structured Approach: It’s done in a structured way and generally requires fewer sessions than other types of therapy.
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Wide Range of Applications: CBT is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and emotional concerns.
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Improved Thinking: It helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly.
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Better Coping Mechanisms: CBT can help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations.
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Increased Confidence: It can help develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
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Behavioral Change: CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns, such as facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.