Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people overcome various mental health conditions. It combines theory and skill-based dialogue to help patients change their thoughts and behaviors. The treatment works by identifying unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and habits that can contribute to problems in life. Therapists use techniques to change these patterns, including situation exposure and systematic desensitization.
Better Coping Skills
Transitioning through change, whether moving to a new home, starting a new job, or losing a loved one, can cause anxiety and other stress. While these are all normal emotions and can be challenging, a positive approach can help reduce stress. A therapist can help you develop better coping skills to deal with the ups and downs of a life transition. They will identify unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors contributing to your problem and work with you to change them. For example, a therapist might ask you to pay close attention to how you react to a problematic situation and record your responses in a journal. Then they will ask you to consider whether you are responding to the reality of the problem or if you are responding to an inaccurate perception of it.
Increased Self-Awareness
When you’re more aware of your thoughts, behaviors, and reactions, you can identify the root cause of any negative emotions that may pop up in a moment. This can help you learn to manage them better to feel more positive. A therapist may use cognitive reconstruction to support you in identifying these negative thought patterns and teaching you how to reframe them. This can also help you better understand your values and align your thinking and actions with those ideals. Self-aware individuals can navigate life’s transitions without feeling overwhelmed or anxious. However, there are times when life changes – such as the death of a loved one or a significant health crisis – can make it hard to adjust.
Increased Self-Esteem
High self-esteem is a crucial factor in achieving and maintaining mental health. It helps people handle adversity, put the negative into perspective, and maintain a positive outlook. However, if your self-esteem is low or you struggle regularly, you may need professional help. Talking to a therapist can help you identify the source of your low self-esteem and develop strategies to improve it. One of the most effective methods for boosting your self-esteem is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on changing your thoughts and emotions to be more rational and less distorted.
Reduced Anxiety
Behavioral therapy techniques like consciously breathing in and out and calming down can help people learn to relax. They can also learn how to recognize and counteract anxiety-inducing situations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. This type of therapy helps clients break down problems into smaller, more manageable steps to achieve goals that might seem impossible at first. Licensed mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and certified employee assistance professionals can all offer CBT. It is essential to confirm a therapist’s credentials before choosing one.
Reduced Depression
Many people face life transitions that may affect their mental health and emotional well-being, such as moving, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job. Therapy can help you cope with these challenges in a healthy way that helps restore balance and peace of mind. Cognitive behavioral therapy, sometimes called CBT, is a form of psychotherapy that uses problem-solving strategies and techniques to change your thinking patterns. It’s proven to be effective in treating depression and reducing its symptoms. This form of therapy works by recalibration the part of the brain that stores distorted/negative thoughts, which is responsible for unhelpful emotions and behaviors. You and your therapist will work together to recognize and change those negative thoughts through regular sessions. You can also practice skills between sessions to help reinforce those changes.
