Therapy is a proven and effective form of treatment for many different conditions, disorders, or problems. It can help change an individual’s habits, behaviors, perspective, and confidence – all of which are essential to living a happy, healthy, proud, and rewarding life.
What makes therapy so dynamic and versatile today are the many different types of therapy available. It doesn’t seem to matter what issues or demons you have in your life; therapy can and will help if you allow it – especially when combined with medication or counseling.
Of all the different types of therapy, one of the most common and popular forms is cognitive behavioral therapy. It has a wide range of uses and helps millions of people find relief and peace in a life that’s been void of it. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Atlantic Recovery Center today.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is a form of psychotherapy invented by Aaron Beck in the 1960s. After noticing ‘cognitive distortions’ in his depression patients, he started to view the disorder as more of a cognitive disorder than a mood disorder, leading to the modern idea of CBT.
The entire idea behind cognitive behavioral therapy is centered on three core principles – which are:
- Psychological issues are often caused by negative, faulty, or unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Psychological issues are often caused by learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- Anyone struggling with psychological issues can learn how to cope with their symptoms, helping them live normal, healthy, and happy lives.
During a cognitive behavioral therapy session, patients meet with a therapist to talk about their thoughts, actions, behaviors, and life. Some cognitive behavioral therapy sessions are done one-on-one, while others are done in a group setting – you can also do it online.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used to Treat?
As mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy was originally created as a treatment for depression. Over the past 60+ years, advances in technology and procedures have revealed the true power behind this treatment method. Today, it’s used to treat a variety of conditions.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the conditions that CBT treatment can help:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleeping disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders and drug addiction
CBT treatment can help patients manage symptoms, prevent relapse, relieve symptoms when medication isn’t working, learn stress management techniques, manage emotions, resolve relationship conflicts, cope with grief, overcome trauma, and help chronic physical symptoms.
Strategies Used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
We’ve talked about the three core principles behind cognitive behavioral therapy, but what strategies are utilized when bringing those principles to life? Most strategies are going to have one of two goals – changing one’s thinking patterns or changing one’s behavioral patterns.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common strategies utilized with CBT treatment:
- Teach patients to identify their cognitive distortions that create issues in their life, then turning those revelations into solutions.
- Help patients better understand how others behave and what they’re motivated by.
- Teach patients how to deal with challenging situations by utilizing problem-solving skills.
- Teach patients to be more self-confident and have a greater sense of belief in one’s own abilities.
- Help patients face their fears instead of constantly avoiding them.
- Use role-playing to help patients prepare for stressful or problematic interactions with others.
- Teach patients how to better calm their nerves and relax their mind and body.
When taken seriously, cognitive behavioral therapy can help an individual better manage their mental health condition or addiction. Your doctor and other healthcare providers might also suggest the use of medication and other lifestyle changes to ensure treatment goes as planned.
How to Find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in South Florida
Are you interested in learning more about cognitive behavioral therapy? Do you believe you could benefit from CBT treatment? Are you struggling to overcome addiction or cope with your mental illness? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, please contact us immediately.
At Atlantic Recovery Center, we take a human-based, unique approach to substance abuse and dual diagnosis in South Florida. With a combination of medication, therapy – including cognitive behavioral therapy – and lifestyle changes, we help our patients overcome addiction and mental illness.
Even after you finish your initial program, we offer an aftercare program and alumni program to ensure our patients sustain their success post-rehab. To learn more about our South Florida rehab facility, principles, and treatment areas, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help and can’t wait to meet you!