CBT cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment designed to help individuals cope with various difficulties. This approach has demonstrated effectiveness in numerous situations, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, anger control, low self-confidence, insomnia, and more. It is also highly effective in managing specific phobias, such as the fear of cockroaches or driving.

The CBT approach encompasses a wide variety of methods and treatments, all based on the premise that changing automatic thought patterns can lead to significant changes in feelings, behavior, and, consequently, the patient's quality of life.

This approach differs from the 'classical' psychological therapy (dynamic therapy), which many think of in the context of psychological therapies. One notable distinction lies in the treatment duration. Unlike the prolonged timelines characteristic of dynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented treatment.

What is CBT Therapy?

CBT is a psychological treatment grounded in the integration of two established therapeutic approaches: behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy.

Cognitive therapy asserts that emotional disorders stem from abnormal thought patterns. By identifying and replacing these thoughts with objective thoughts and interpretations, individuals can achieve a more balanced and healthier state of mind.

Behavioral therapy focuses on identifying negative patterns in a person's behavior and actions in various situations, aiming to find healthier alternatives.

What are the principles of CBT?

According to the CBT approach, there is a connection between negative thought patterns and undesirable behavior patterns. The treatment focuses on changing these thought patterns to foster proactive and healthy thinking, leading to a change in negative behaviors. During treatment, guidance and tools are provided to deal with different situations, allowing the adoption of more positive behavior when necessary.

The treatment aims to reinforce beneficial behaviors, eliminate harmful ones, and replace them with new and more effective behavior patterns in dealing with various challenges.

The treatment endeavors to fortify constructive behaviors while eradicating those that hinder our well-being and impede the quality of life and daily functioning. The goal is to replace these counterproductive behaviors with novel and more effective patterns when confronting diverse challenges.

How is CBT Treatment Performed?

In the initial phase of treatment, conducted by a qualified mental health therapist, the patient's 'problem' is identified. This could be specific, as in the case of a phobia, or more general, such as depression or an eating disorder.

The therapist seeks to understand the root of the problem, when it started, and its impact on the patient's daily life. Subsequently, the focus shifts to identifying the feelings and thoughts accompanying the problem, as well as the patient's reactions and behaviors. The therapist will then provide guidance on steering clear of harmful thinking patterns, fostering the adoption of healthier and more balanced thought processes. Furthermore, the therapist will collaborate with the patient to explore advanced behavioral approaches for diverse situations, contributing to the disruption of the entrenched 'cycle' of negative thinking and behavior patterns.

What is meant by harmful thought patterns?

It's natural for all of us to occasionally feel uncertain about our abilities or reflect on past situations with a hint of regret. Occasional self-reflection is healthy and normal.
However, some individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts, such as believing 'I lack the talent to advance in my career,' 'I'm not thin enough,' or 'If a dog approaches me, it will surely bite.' These persistent thoughts can trigger behavioral changes—avoiding opportunities for personal and professional growth, adopting unhealthy eating habits, or steering clear of certain places to evade interactions with dogs. This cycle hinders the pursuit of self-fulfillment and can impact both personal and professional aspects of life.

What is the patient's role in CBT therapy?

In CBT treatment, the patient actively participates in the process, working collaboratively with the therapist to identify the problem. Tasks or 'homework' may be assigned to the patient to practice between sessions. Active patient involvement fosters a stronger connection with the process and empowers individuals to regain control over their lives – instead of feeling controlled by their mental state.

What are the common treatment techniques in the CBT approach?

CBT offers various techniques to adapt its principles to different situations and patients. For instance, a patient seeking treatment for a driving phobia may undergo gradual exposure to driving. The therapist guides the patient in adopting relaxation and breathing techniques to manage fear and facilitate emotional regulation and self-control.

Therefore, with the therapist's attentive guidance, the patient in this scenario will progressively engage in driving increasingly longer distances, concurrently cultivating positive thought patterns. Throughout this journey, the therapist will provide unwavering support, assisting the patient during both successful and challenging moments. The ultimate aim is for the patient to regain control of the situation, overcoming paralyzing fear by the conclusion of the process.
There are, of course, additional techniques of CBT treatment that also help in dealing with other situations, which are not necessarily phobias from a specific cause.

Who is CBT suitable for?

As previously mentioned, CBT treatment is versatile, catering to various situations and adapting to individual needs. It proves suitable for a broad spectrum of age groups, encompassing children. However, adjustments and modifications are often necessary, especially when working with younger patients.

For example, typically, adolescents and adults articulate their feelings and distress verbally during therapeutic conversations. Conversely, CBT therapists working with children may opt for non-verbal methods to pinpoint the patient's challenges, incorporating activities such as games or drawing into the process.

Furthermore, cognitive-behavioral therapy in adults often allows for a more profound exploration of the patient's thought processes compared to treating children. Naturally, this varies among individuals, as some children exhibit a level of maturity that enables them to introspect just as deeply as adults do.

What to Know Before Starting CBT Treatment?

The choice to seek treatment marks a substantial and impactful step in itself, therefore, before commencing CBT treatment, several considerations should be taken into account to ensure preparedness for the process and maximize personal benefits:

• Mental therapy may not be easy: Engaging in mental therapy, whether through CBT or other therapeutic approaches, may pose emotional challenges as sensitive issues are explored. This process can evoke a flood of emotions and memories that everyday life might have suppressed, yet these lingering feelings continue to influence your well-being.
• Understanding that these feelings are entirely natural is crucial, and it's equally important to recognize that your therapist possesses the expertise to navigate and address them effectively. If, after several sessions, you find the treatment overwhelming, communicate openly with your therapist. There is a strong likelihood that, by working together, you and your therapist can successfully overcome these challenges.
• Change can be challenging: The primary objective of the CBT treatment is to identify and modify long-standing negative thoughts and behaviors that may have persisted over an extended period. While change is indeed achievable, as attested by numerous patient experiences and research studies, it's essential to recognize that the process is not always straightforward and may demand effort on your part.
• Commitment to the process: Within the realm of CBT treatment, numerous professionals assert that its effectiveness is intricately tied to the central and active role of the patient. While the therapeutic process benefits significantly from this active engagement, it's crucial to bear in mind that true and impactful involvement necessitates your commitment and genuine desire for change.
  Importance of a gradual process: In the realm of CBT treatment, a deliberate and gradual approach is frequently employed. This methodology allows for the acquisition of new habits while effectively navigating the challenges inherent in the therapeutic process. While opting for a gradual approach may extend the duration compared to a more rapid initiation, it substantially heightens the likelihood of achieving lasting success and maintaining perseverance through the transformative journey.

In conclusion, cognitive-behavioral therapy stands out as a highly effective approach for addressing diverse situations. The therapeutic journey is a collaborative effort, with both the therapist and the patient working in tandem to identify issues and devise effective coping strategies. Throughout this process, the therapist plays a pivotal role in assisting the patient in acquiring new, more effective tools for coping, all while offering tailored emotional support to meet the unique needs of each individual.

A Few Words from Us:
If you find yourself struggling with a mental difficulty, it’s important for you to know that such challenges can be effectively addressed and treated. There is no shame in seeking treatment - whether it is psychological treatment such as CBT, or whether medicinal treatment. The mind is an integral part of the body, therefore maintaining overall well-being encompasses both physical and mental aspects. If you find yourself in distress, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional—a psychologist, psychiatrist, or your family doctor. It's crucial not to face these feelings alone and to acknowledge the significance of seeking support rather than ignoring or isolating yourself.