CBT
Rooted Wisdom Counseling Services, LLC
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term form of psychotherapy that focuses on present issues. It is based on the idea that the way an individual thinks and feels affects the way they interact with the world. CBT focuses on problem-solving. The goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is to change negative, inaccurate, or unhelpful thought patterns so that responding to difficult situations can become easier to manage. CBT can be used for a variety of mental health concerns or conditions. It is frequently used to help people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
In CBT you will first learn to identify painful and upsetting thoughts you have about current problems and determine whether or not these thoughts are helpful or accurate. If the thoughts are unhelpful or inaccurate, you will then learn skills to adapt your thinking patterns so that your thoughts become more helpful and accurate. After developing these more helpful thoughts, your therapist or counselor will then help you determine how to address a given situation with the new thoughts in mind. You may get “homework” between sessions so that you can continue to enhance your skills and obtain long-term change.
CBT uses a combination of behavioral and cognitive theories to develop the belief that the way a person views a situation influences their response more than the actual situation does. When someone is depressed, anxious, or discouraged, their view of the situation might not match how others view a similar situation. Having this unhelpful or unrealistic view can further someone’s sense of depression or anxiety. However, with help from a counselor or therapist, people can learn to change those patterns of thinking so that their responses and feelings related to a situation can change. CBT typically focuses on a person’s current difficulties, however CBT can also sometimes be used to help address intrusive thoughts related to one’s trauma. A therapist or counselor may ask about what is going on in a client’s mind in session so that they can begin to help identify intrusive, distressing thoughts and/or feelings. The therapist will then explore whether or not these thoughts and feelings are helpful or accurate. The goal of CBT is to get clients actively involved in their own treatment so they can take active steps toward improving their lives by adjusting negative thought patterns.
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My approach to therapy is simple. You are an individual and unique and your therapy should be too. Together, we will work to find the treatment or blend of treatments that suit your needs best.
