What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Today in the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) world, there are two main types of therapy being used by mental health care workers. The first type of treatment was originated by Sigmund Freud. Freud thought that all mental issues that face men and women come from the past. They may show up here and there as mental issues or even in dreams. For example, a person who is experiencing depression today may have had something depressing or shocking happen to them in their past, and it is currently coming to their mind as depression.
The second and newest type of therapy that is often practiced is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy is gaining an increasing amount of traction with mental health care workers because of its effectiveness. In fact, today it is quite common to find counselors or therapists who use cognitive behavioral therapy to work with their patients.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
The therapist can speak one-on-one with a patient about the thoughts they are having and any emotions that are coming alongside those ideas. Together, they are then able to dissect the thoughts and feelings. Much emphasis is placed on the fact that any given thoughts that arise in mind are not always to be instantly believed as being true. You can let them pass by without harming you.
Why is CBT Done?
In addition to treating anxiety and depression, CBT can work for other mental issues as well. In many circles, it is the most preferred method of therapy because it works quickly and is very effective. In fact, many people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol collaborate with cognitive behavioral therapy while they are in inpatient treatment centers.
- It teaches lasting techniques to handle hard times.
- It helps people cope with loss and grief.
- It can help people resolve conflicts in relationships.
- It can help people when they are experiencing a serious mental illness or physical symptoms of pain.
- It can be an alternative to medication in some instances.
To be sure, not everyone who needs medication for their mental issues can stop taking their meds and turn to cognitive behavioral therapy. But some people who rely on medications for problems such as mild depression or mild anxiety may be able to switch over from medications to this type of therapy and see success.
Seeking Help for Addiction
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in inpatient rehab facilities for people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. If you have a problem with one of these substances, it is wise to learn about what CBT can do for you first hand.
