Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These spontaneous negative thoughts have a detrimental influence on mood. CBT is a “solutions-oriented” form of talk therapy focusing on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior.

Through CBT, these thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more objective, realistic thoughts. CBT utilizes a wide range of strategies to help people overcome these thoughts. Techniques may include journaling, role-playing, relaxation techniques, and mental distractions.

CBT is often done weekly in a series of 5 – 20 sessions, though there is not a set time frame. This problem oriented therapy is often considered a short term treatment. However, duration is dependent on type and severity of issues. Research indicates that Cognitive Behavior Therapy is effective both via telehealth and in face to face therapy sessions.