What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been researched and found very effective for psychiatric disorders. This includes depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders. 

It also has been proven to be effective as an addition to medication for serious mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

CBT can help people change unrealistic thoughts and beliefs as they learn practical skills. They will work towards making positive changes to their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. 

The Negative Cognitive Triad

Some other skills therapists may use during a CBT session:

• Cognitive restructuring - a technique that helps people identify negative thought patterns and reframe them. 

• Activity scheduling - helps clients create opportunities for structured activities. This can help with the feelings of depression, sadness, and grief. 

• Therapeutic journaling - this can help clients clarify and redefine emotions relating to loss and grief. Journaling can help people find beneficial coping mechanisms. 

• Exposure - exposure therapy can help clients find a safe place to face their innermost emotions, anxiety, and fears. It can be very effective with anxiety stemming from grief. Exposure can show worst-case fears that can be overcome. 

• Guided imagery - the client visualizes and tells the story of when they first became aware of a loved one’s death, or of the moment they are grieving. The goal is to help the client come to terms with the loss they have experienced.

Your turn!

If you’re ready to try CBT and experience the benefits for yourself, give us a call to set up a free consultation today! We have highly-trained therapists that are excited to meet you and help you on your journey.

Blog Article Sources:

Chand, S. P. (2023, May 23). Cognitive behavior therapy. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/ 

Corey, G. (2021). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage. 

Dibdin, E. (2023, March 19). Grief therapy: What it is, techniques, and how it helps. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/therapy-for-grief#types-of-grief 

Dr. Aaron T. Beck. Beck Institute. (2024, February 16). https://beckinstitute.org/about/dr-aaron-t-beck/#developmentof 

Kendra Cherry, Mse. (2023, July 27). Psychologist Aaron Beck and the founding of cognitive therapy. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/aaron-beck-biography-2795492

Morrow, M. (2023, August 23). How can CBT therapy help with unhealthy eating patterns?. Klearminds. https://www.klearminds.com/blog/how-can-cbt-therapy-help-with-unhealthy-eating-patterns/ 

Schulze, A. (2017, October 13). 5 easy steps to changing your thinking using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - groff & associates. Groff & Associates - Lighting the Way. https://groffandassociates.com/2017/10/12/5-easy-steps-to-changing-your-thinking-using-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt/

Waichler, A. I., & Waichler, I. (n.d.). CBT for grief: Examples, how it works, & effectiveness. Choosing Therapy. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/cbt-for-grief/ 

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