Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular psychological treatment. This treatment has been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating common problems, such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is by no means a new treatment. And it has a practical structure that makes it easily quantifiable. These elements have led to many successful clinical trials. As a result, this treatment has now cemented its status as one of the best among NHS-recommended therapies.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talking therapy in which we identify and challenge harmful beliefs. It assists people in learning alternate thought patterns and behaviors. Therapists use it to change the way patients feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy emerged from two independent schools of psychology: behaviorism and cognitive therapy. It examines the link between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This therapy is a comprehensive form of treatment. That is why, it is often used to treat and relieve a wide range of mental health disorders. CBT is undoubtedly the most frequent and commonly utilized kind of treatment. Many types of research prove that CBT is very useful to treat a wide range of mental health disorders. Hence, it can help everyone, regardless of whether they have a documented mental disorder or not.
How Effective Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy can aid in the healing process for a broad range of disorders. It modifies the negative thinking patterns that are present in anxiety, depression, or PTSD. CBT treats patients who are unable to take medications to control their problems. Because it can work extremely well in conjunction with other medications such as antidepressants. There are several kinds of CBT treatments. It includes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and multimodal treatment. All of these are capable of isolating whatever the issue is and getting to the precise thoughts and behaviors that may need to be altered. CBT is also beneficial because it is often a shorter procedure than other therapies while still producing huge benefits and symptom reduction. Let’s look at a few example situations where cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be beneficial:
Benefits Of CBT:
- Depression: CBT might be a beneficial technique in helping in the treatment of depressive disorders. As it works by concentrating on the general mood and identifying any harmful or bad behaviors that may be related to it in an organized and regulated setting.
- Substance Abuse Disorder: Substance abuse disorders are difficult to navigate. But fortunately, CBT has been demonstrated to aid individuals who are addicted. Because CBT greatly focuses on the management of the substance use cycle. That is why, it is extremely helpful in reducing the severity of addiction problems when combined with other therapies.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Treatment of OCD is likely the most beneficial application of cognitive behavioral treatment. When someone has OCD, they have obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsive activities to cope with those ideas. Therapists use CBT to treat OCD because it contains exposure and ritual prevention under its umbrella.
- Anxiety: Unfortunately, anxiety disorders are a worldwide problem. But thankfully, CBT has proven to be very helpful and successful in treating them with or without medical assistance. Therapists may assist their clients in understanding the source of the problem and how to reframe the attitude that is actively aggravating any anxiety.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): CBT is quite effective in treating the major symptoms of PTSD. Therapists often use CBT for the treatment of PTSD. But it is done in a very planned and controlled manner. So that the individual may continue on their road to managing their PTSD more effectively while healing.
- Eating Disorders: There are various forms of eating disorders. CBT is a well-known and effective treatment method for them. Therapists use many strategies of CBT to change the mental processes and behaviors that lead to poor eating patterns.
How Long Does It Take for CBT to Work?
Everyone’s development toward their goals takes a varied amount of time. Some patients show benefits after just a few cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. While others need to learn how to control their symptoms for several months. You can begin with one session per week and progressively reduce the frequency. This will, however, be dependent on both your and your therapist’s availability and accessibility. Even though the treatment may only last a few months, it requires dedication and perseverance to get the desired outcomes. For the aptitudes you’re aiming to stick to, you’ll probably need to practice them frequently. Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically a safe and successful treatment approach. Although it does have some possible downsides.
Are There Any Risks of CBT?
Because CBT addresses how negative thinking makes you feel, treatment may temporarily exacerbate or aggravate emotional problems. It might be beneficial to mentally prepare yourself for some discomfort. However, it is important to remember that this discomfort is usually brief. It is a typical aspect of several kinds of CBT. The major disadvantage of CBT may be the recurrence of symptoms after therapy has concluded. However, it is not rare for this to occur. When you no longer have regular appointments, your therapist may work with you to develop a maintenance plan. It helps to keep symptoms at bay. CBT may not be the best option for persons who have more complicated or severe health issues. Or it may simply not be adequate to alleviate symptoms on its own. Nonetheless, the vast majority of evidence indicates that the benefits of CBT exceed the risks.
Final Takeaway:
Cognitive behavioral therapy may be an excellent therapy option for you if you want something that focuses on your current difficulties rather than ones from the past. It is a short-term therapy that demands you to participate actively in the process. Meeting with a therapist can help you establish your therapy objectives and determine whether CBT is the best option for you.
