You cannot control the world, but you can control how you interpret and handle things when they arise. That is the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches the individual how to take control of his or her thoughts and feelings as they play a central role in our behavior (Cherry, 2019).
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that helps clients understand and analyze the underlying cause of their negative thoughts and feelings. These thoughts and feelings can eventually influence and impact a person’s behavior. The client is taught how to identify and modify negative, destructive, and or disturbing thought patterns (Cherry, 2019). CBT is empirically supported in terms of efficacy and is the most researched form of therapy. Specific goals of CBT mean that results are measurable and observable. This makes CBT valid and reliable.
What Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat? Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is “highly effective for adult unipolar depression, adolescent unipolar depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social phobia, PTSD, and childhood depressive and anxiety disorders” (Butler, Chapman, Forman, & Beck, 2006, pp. 28). CBT is also used to treat:
- Anxiety
- Phobies
- Depression
- Addictions
- Eating disorders
- Panic attacks
- Anger
What Do CBT Sessions Look Like and Who is CBT Well-Suited For?
Therapist role is very active and instructional – the therapist has a focused and structured approach that guides the counseling session. The client coming into counseling identifies the specific problem he or she wishes to resolve. This enables the development of a collaborative therapeutic relationship founded on established goals. The goal-oriented and focused sessions are typically comprised of short-term sessions with gradual process or incremental steps towards the change in maladaptive behavior, with homework assigned to be completed between sessions.
What is the Goal of CBT?
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to change or modify thoughts and feelings that influence self-defeating as well as self-destructive behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy enables the individual to acquire insights about him or herself, in addition to self-discovery that occurs. Introspection also occurs when the individual begins the development of new skills and coping mechanisms.
How Can We Help?
Rahmah Albugani is a doctorate intern who is conducting evaluations and ongoing counseling here at Makin Wellness. She is a nationally certified counselor with experience in setting goals for clients that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time manageable. If you are interested in cognitive behavioral therapy, please contact our office at (412)-532-1249 to schedule with Rahmah!
NCC, Profesional Counselor
Makin Wellness
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About Makin Wellness
Founded in 2017 , Makin Wellness is Pittsburgh’s premier therapy & coaching centers located in Downtown Pittsburgh and Downtown New Kensington. The company’s mission is to help people heal and become happy again. Makin Wellness specializes in depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, medical marijuana assisted treatment and relationship counseling.
