As a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I have seen the positive benefits of CBT in treating Depression and Anxiety. Research has consistently shown that CBT is one of the best treatments for depression and anxiety and can result in long lasting, positive changes for clients.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?
Did you know that how a person perceives a situation has more to do with their reaction in comparison to the situation itself? In other words, if a person constantly perceives things negatively, they are likely to have a negative reaction in a bad situation. However, if a person perceives things in a positive light, they are more likely to have a positive reaction, even in a negative situation.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, is a psychotherapy approach geared toward understanding and changing a person’s perceptions and reactions to situations. The practice uses various cognitive and behavioral exercises to train a person to perceive things differently, thus changing their reaction.
Borrowed from Other Practices
Cognitive Behavior Therapy borrows its approach from several other commitments and therapies, such as Gestalt therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, positive psychology, acceptance therapy, and solution focused therapy. It can be used for a variety of issues, such as personality disorders.
Many psychological issues are rooted in the way people think and their learned patterns. Fortunately, a person who suffers from psychological problems can letter different ways to cope, which reduces their symptoms. By reducing their symptoms, people who have psychological issues can lead healthier, happier, more effective lives.
How to Change Thinking Patterns
In order for Cognitive Behavior Therapy to work, it must change a person’s thinking patterns. Strategies used to change thinking patterns will vary. One way in which it is possible to change a person’s thinking patterns is by identifying what their mind distorts. The mind will often distort things, which can create enormous problems.
Using CBT, it is possible to teach someone how to reevaluate those distortions so they can transform them into what is realistic instead. It is also best to train yourself into focusing on the behavior and motivation of others. By thinking more about others, you become more aware so you can change your reaction to certain situations.
Through CBT, you can learn problem-solving skills that help you understand and cope with difficult situations. You will also learn how to develop an understanding of yourself. You will build confidence in your own abilities, which will give you a more positive outlook on life. Thanks to Cognitive Behavior Therapy, you will learn to calm your mind and body, too.
The best way to incorporate CBT into your life is to speak with a therapist. Setting up an appointment with a qualified therapist is one of the most important steps you can take. A therapist can assist you in determining if CBT is right for you.
I have been working with Monica to overcome depression and anxiety for approximately 2 years. She has provided very helpful materials, suggestions and exercises to improve my coping skills when in stressful situations and improving my self-esteem. With her skills, encouragement and patience I am the confident person I always new I could be. In the last 2 years I have made changes and improvements in my work, social, and personal life that have truly made me a happy and content person. Working with Monica has greatly improved my life and I would highly recommend her. – DM