What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT for short, is a form of psychotherapy. CBT helps an individual notice their negative thoughts and patterns and help and change their way of thinking. Once the affected individual identifies the problem, these negative thought and behavioral patterns are replaced with positive thought and patterns.

CBT helps an individual notice their thoughts could affect their actions.

CBT could be used on, but not limited to, individuals that have depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, panic and phobia , obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),  schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance misuse. CBT doesn’t only help those with mental disorders but with personal issues, such as relationship problems, pain or general stress.

 

Although CBT is a great way to help some mental illnesses, it isn’t a cure. CBT is used to help manage thoughts and behavior, so it’s more sought at as a training for oneself. Know not to put too much pressure on yourself and your thoughts and approach them.

Also, CBT may take time for the therapy to work. Results are not immediate.

Different Approaches:

Positive Activity- at the end of the day, reward yourself with an activity that you enjoy. Would improve mood and overall happiness . Look forward to something rewarding every day.

Journaling, jot down notes of negative thoughts, and mark down positive ones to replace them.

SMART Goals, you create goals for yourself that are both achievable and realistic.