Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) is a widely applied, scientifically proven model for addressing several mental health issues.
Extensive research has shown that CBT is highly effective for people with depression, social anxiety, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and sleep problems.
CBT concentrates on what we are dealing with right now, focusing on the relationship between our thoughts and behaviors to clarify and confront whatever makes our lives challenging. It is a dynamic therapy model that pushes us to open up to new ideas and learn techniques we can apply on a daily basis.
It is provided individually or to groups/families and requires our close collaboration with our therapist to:
- Understand how our thoughts impact how we feel and what we do.
- Identify our goals and devise a plan with our therapist’s support for changing how we think and improving our lives.
Also, CBT requires our commitment to practicing and testing the recommended methods for breaking the vicious cycle of negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that keep us stuck in life.
The Cognitive Behavioral approach focuses on the present and future but sometimes refers to the past to examine an issue or condition more deeply. It is a short-term therapy model, lasting from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the therapy plan.
The goal is to develop the right skills to manage our challenges efficiently and neutralize their adverse effects during and after therapy. In other words, to become our own therapist!