COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular, evidence-based, form of therapy, often used to treat depression and anxiety (as well as other problem areas). One of the basic messages of CBT is that what you think and what you do affects the way you feel. CBT is a structured type of therapy, which involves various techniques that are used with and taught to an individual. Techniques are aimed at correcting dysfunctional thoughts and maladaptive behavior patterns. This type of therapy often requires the individual to complete “homework” such as logging thoughts, mood or activities outside of therapy sessions.

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CBT is not a therapist telling you to “just think positively” or “look on the bright side.” Although thinking positively is helpful, it’s often not that simple, and CBT does much more than this. CBT teaches individuals to learn how to identify negative automatic thoughts, understand where they come from, recognize misinterpretations, and create more accurate and helpful thoughts. This change in thinking patterns results in a positive shift in mood and behaviors. CBT also looks at how our behaviors affect the way we feel. For example: If you sleeping 13 hours a day, then feel unmotivated and think you’re a failure – adjusting your behavior (sleeping pattern) into a healthier routine can assist in shifting your thoughts and emotions in a positive direction.