Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has become a primary treatment of choice in many countries around the world and is used to treat a number of problems. CBT is a model that focuses on the link between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

 

How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work?

Typically, treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is focused on reducing a symptom that is troubling or affecting one’s functioning. This is done by discussing thoughts regarding the symptom and making behavioral changes to reduce its impact. Often, this involves work done together with the therapist in sessions and alone between sessions. Typical tools used in CBT include analyzing our thought process, exposure to anxiety-producing stimuli, and relaxation techniques. I devote the initial sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teaching my clients about the cognitive and psychological development of their symptoms and the underlying philosophy of CBT so that they can start implementing change independently.

 

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat anxiety

I have experience using CBT for a variety of symptoms with both adults and children. Specifically, I find it a valuable tool when dealing with anxiety, a symptom that affects a large number of people and has a crippling effect on personal and professional fulfillment. An advantage of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that it is a focused treatment that is effective in a short amount of time. The number of sessions needed to treat a specific problem changes according to the individual, the symptom, and the amount of time one has suffered. I have found that often specific symptoms can be reduced profoundly within 8 sessions, leading to a significant reduction in distress, in other situations however therapy can take significantly longer. Often, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the treatment of choice and the only treatment required. In some situations, however, I use it as a tool that I combine with other therapeutic approaches. In all cases, this is something that I discuss with my client, and together, we decide on the use of CBT.

 

Examples of problems that may be successfully treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy include:

• Panic attacks

• Inability to function in specific situations, such as job interviews or public speaking

• Specific fears such as fear of injections, fear of flying, fear of spiders

• Unwanted compulsive behavior, such as washing hands excessively or checking door locks

• Mood disorders

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