Cognitive Behavioral Thearpy (CBT) Skills
Clients will learn concepts, and skills each week that will improve their awareness of how their thoughts affect their emotions and impact their behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used forms of therapy due to its effectiveness in treating a wide variety of mental health issues. It can help clients who have been diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, body and gender dysphoria, and depression amongst other things.
According to the American Psychological Association, CBT is grounded in the following main principles:
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Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and negative thought patterns.
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Psychological struggles are based, in part, on learned patterns of problematic behavior.
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People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of mental health treatment that is used to help identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to a wide array of mental health issues. CBT is often used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. This modality is utilized in a wide variety of therapy settings–including Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs–because of its efficacy in helping people recognize and shift the patterns that are holding them back from healing.
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, identify the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their ongoing struggles, and learn how to change and reframe these thoughts and behaviors. A cognitive behavioral therapist will help clients align their thoughts and actions with their mental health goals.
How Does CBT Work?
Changing your patterns of thoughts isn’t always easy, which is why it’s helpful to work with a therapist when you’re in need of mental health support. They can help you:
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Learn to recognize your negative thoughts and behaviors
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Better understand conflict within your relationships
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Build your confidence in support of healthier relationships with both yourself and with others
Cognitive behavioral therapists will guide you through the recognition process of CBT. They will also help you create strategies to shift your thoughts and behaviors. Some examples of these strategies include:
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Exposing yourself to your fears or anxieties instead of ignoring or avoiding them.
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Acting out conflict resolution and other types of confrontations
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Mindfulness techniques and grounding methods to help you stay in the present moment and physically relax.