"People at any age can struggle with anxiety, depression, and obsessive thinking as well as other psychological conditions," says James D. Korman, PsyD, ACT. "Sometimes these problems occur as a result of a stressful life event such as the death of a loved one, illness, divorce, and job loss. But symptoms also can occur without explanation. They can happen once in a lifetime, they can come and go, and they can persist," he adds.
Whatever the reason for or duration of your symptoms, a practical treatment approach known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help!
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help treat:
- Anger
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Grief
- Reactions to physical symptoms, including pain and fatigue
- Irrational fears (phobias)
- Sexual disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Worry
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
How you think has a strong effect on how you feel, what you do, and can sometimes even change physical experiences in the body. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you evaluate and sometimes change your thoughts about difficult situations. This improves how you feel, what you do, and any unhelpful physical symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy differs from other kinds of therapy because it:
- Is structured and goal-oriented: CBT is typically structured and time-limited, often involving specific goals and measurable outcomes. Sessions are usually focused on addressing specific problems and developing strategies to cope with them.
- Encourages active participation: Patients are actively involved in their therapy, often engaging in exercises outside of sessions to practice new skills and techniques.
- Is Evidence-Based: CBT is grounded in empirical research and has been shown to be effective for a wide range of psychological issues, including depression and anxiety.
- Develops skills: CBT helps individuals develop practical skills to manage their symptoms, such as cognitive restructuring (changing negative thought patterns), behavioral activation (engaging in positive activities), and problem-solving techniques.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves specific, practical, goal-oriented techniques to help you learn healthy ways to think, feel, and act. For example, if you are always afraid that bad things are going to happen to you or your loved ones, a therapist who is specially trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn ways to think more realistically. He or she also can teach you to focus on the present instead of the future so that you won’t worry about things over which you have no control.
Between sessions, your therapist will likely ask you to practice certain techniques, read helpful information, and apply what you learn throughout all aspects of your life and interactions with others.
In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy is combined with medication such as an antidepressant or anti-anxiety drug (an anxiolytic); however, some patients find they no longer need medication after practicing and mastering effective cognitive techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy involves a limited number of sessions (10 to 20 in most cases)—an approach that encourages patients to make steady progress. It can be used to treat individuals, couples, families, and groups.
"The good news is that cognitive behavioral therapy is a highly successful, evidence-based form of psychotherapy," says Dr. Korman. "Cognitive behavioral therapy can be tailored to meet your particular needs, with consideration for your disorder or situation, severity and duration of your symptoms, level of stress, and the amount and kind of support you receive from family and friends." He emphasizes, "As you work through your issues, your therapist will help guide you every step of the way, answer your questions, alleviate your fears, and ensure that you are headed in a positive direction that will help improve the quality of your life."
