Explaining Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Therapy comes in many shapes and forms, and CBT is one of them. CBT stands for "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" and has been proven to bring about very positive changes for many patients.

The Idea Behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In the 1960s, Aaron Beck developed the concept of cognitive behavioral therapy, and it has been extensively researched since. The core concept is that we all have certain automatic thoughts, errors in perception, and generally a distorted sense of our world. For example, we may be inclined to blame ourselves or always expect the worst to happen.

These patterns can be hard to recognize when they are so intertwined with our beliefs. Fortunately, we can self-correct these issues, and CBT helps us do it.

What a Session Looks Like

A therapist may recommend CBT as the best form of treatment. Usually, sessions occur once per week and last for up to an hour. The therapist will talk to you and identify the problems you may be experiencing, such as stress, fear, or phobias.

Each of these problems is discussed to determine how it affects you and your surroundings. CBT aims to make you mentally strong so you can self-correct your thoughts and behavior as they arise in real life. For example, if it is determined that your fear of public spaces stems from a strong unconscious thought, your therapist can help you develop coping strategies to break this mental association. Each session typically ends with a bit of homework, where you apply what you have learned in real life.

Recap

We can all improve our lives thanks to cognitive behavioral therapy. It aims to uncover "unconscious mistakes" in our thinking that reduce our happiness. If you want to try CBT in the comfort of your own home, read the article below.

Note: CBT in real life is not a replacement for professional therapy. Find a local resource if you want to experience guided cognitive behavioral therapy sessions.