There are many forms of talk therapy, but one of the most popular forms is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. By developing a more positive way of thinking, CBT teaches coping skills, problem-solving skills, and recognition of distorted or unhelpful thoughts and perceptions.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?
CBT is a type of therapy used to treat mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression. Psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Beck developed CBT in the 1960s after discovering a significant link between a person’s automatic thoughts and their feelings or emotions.
The overall goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to help patients change their thinking and thereby change their behavioral patterns. To do this, therapists will Identify the distorted thoughts that cause behavioral problems and help their patients learn to examine these patterns more logically. Once a person has a better understanding of the thoughts behind their actions, a therapist can help them develop problem-solving skills to handle difficult situations.
What Can CBT Help With?
CBT can be used to treat a wide range of issues. A person's thoughts and feelings are vital to their mental health, and that's why we take great pride in offering CBT at Williamsburg Therapy Group.
CBT can be beneficial in treating issues related to:
- ADHD
- Depression
- Irrational Anger
- Anxiety disorders
- Phobias
- PTSD
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance Use Disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar Disorders
- Schizophrenia
Williamsburg Therapy Group is prepared to work with you and assist you in fostering a happy and healthier life. We can help you find better ways to manage your thoughts and behaviors with CBT. Our attentive and experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists will support you every step of the way.
CBT Strategies
People often have thoughts or feelings that reinforce false beliefs. These beliefs can result in negative behaviors. And these destructive behaviors can negatively affect your personal and professional relationships. Here are some of the strategies used in CBT to counteract this cycle:
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Identify Negative Thoughts: Recognizing the power in how thoughts, feelings, and situations contribute to your behaviors is essential in CBT. This part requires hard work and is especially difficult for people who struggle with introspection. Identifying negative thoughts can lead to new insights, which are essential to gaining a more positive mental outlook.
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Practice New Skills: New skills learned through cognitive behavioral therapy treatment are great to use in real-world situations. For instance, a person who is depressed and holds depressive thoughts may withdraw from their favorite hobbies and friends. A CBT therapist may encourage that person to insert themselves into social situations in order to combat depressive thoughts and loneliness.
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Set Goals: Goal-setting is easier with the help of a CBT therapist. CBT can help you learn how to identify a goal and distinguish short-term, long-term, and SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-based) goals. The process of goal setting can be just as important as the desired outcome because it provides a framework for improvement.
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Problem Solve: Problem-solving skills can help a person recognize and find solutions to problems that emerge from stressors. These skills can reduce the negative impact of psychological issues. Problem-solving usually involves these five steps:
- Identifying a problem
- Making a list of possible solutions
- Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each potential solution
- Choosing a solution to apply
- Implementing the solution
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Self Monitor: Self-monitoring or “diary work” usually involves keeping track of your behaviors, symptoms, and experiences over time. The self-monitoring process gives your therapist insights into the thoughts and feelings that accompany patterns of behavior.
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Progress Gradually: It is important to keep in mind that CBT is a gradual process for behavior change. A person takes incremental steps to change their mindset and behavior. For instance, a person has social anxiety by just thinking about provoking social events. They should start practicing social conversations with friends and family members and implement them in the real world.
When a person practices towards their goal, the process of behavior change becomes easier to achieve.
Our Process
Contact our team via phone or contact form, and our team will reach out to set up an initial consultation.
This complimentary brief conversation will go over the different services offered and find the best plan for you based on your preferences and needs.
You'll receive treatment based on your needs and preferences and get started. Upon completion, you'll find that you'll receive the necessary treatment options necessary to heal.
Finding an Anxiety Therapist in Austin, TX
If you are looking for cognitive behavioral therapy in Austin, TX, please contact us today. You can schedule an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists and begin working toward a happier, healthier life.
