Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

I went to Acadia Library today and did some research on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  I wish to briefly share with my readers what I got out of my research.

 

 

When we are in a certain situation or events happen we generally have automatic thoughts in reaction to the event.  We are not aware of these thoughts because they are usually subconscious.  For some people these thoughts are maladaptive or dysfunctional.  This in turn creates maladaptive and dysfunctional behaviors.  Our behaviors are a direct result of our thoughts.

 

 

In CBT sessions the therapist helps the client identify these maladaptive and dysfunctional thoughts.  Then the therapist helps the client change these thoughts and helps the client change their behavior in certain situations.  If we can learn to have the correct thoughts in certain situations then we can carry out acceptable behaviors in the situation.

 

It is not the event itself that causes certain behaviors but it is our interpretation and perception of the event that creates certain behaviors.  If we have the wrong interpretation and perception of the event then our reactions to the event will be maladaptive and dysfunctional.  Our distorted thinking in certain situations is what causes our problems in dealing with the event.  Through CBT the therapist teaches us how to identify the problems and put into practice effective problem solving skills.  When we learn to identify the problem and how to solve the problem then we can learn how to think  and behave appropriately in the situation.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to treat various types of disorders such as phobias, anxiety disorders (such as obsessive compulsive disorder),psychosis, eating disorders, addiction,and alcoholism.  Research studies have shown CBT to be very successful in treating many of  these disorders previously mentioned.  In fact in some situations CBT by itself produces better results than using medication.  At other times it is very successful using it in combination with medications.  Either way CBT is a very effective treatment for many psychiatric disorders.  Today, it is being used more and more by mental health professionals.