Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Is it Right for You?
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This content was reviewed and approved by Angela Nicole Gilbert, APRN, PMHNP-BC.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy. You might also hear it called psychotherapy.
When looking to define CBT, the key feature is that you work with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or therapist, in a structured way to address the current mental health challenges you face. The CBT methodology involves multiple sessions, typically over weeks or months. It’s considered short-term therapy and typically ranges from a few sessions up to 20 of them.
This article answers questions like “What is cognitive therapy?” and “How does CBT work?” It also explains cognitive therapy treatment techniques, the differences between behavior therapy and cognitive therapy and the advantages of cognitive behavioral therapy.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
If you’re considering CBT, how it works is probably something you’re wondering about. CBT’s purpose is to help you become aware of thought patterns that are adversely affecting your quality of life. A psychologist or therapist helps you make connections between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
Typically, sessions involve the therapist asking a series of questions about difficult situations in your life. The purpose of the question-and-answer interactions is to encourage you to pay attention to how you respond to difficult circumstances in your life.
Seeing how you think and act is related gives you important insights on how to deal with life’s challenges. The therapist then helps you adjust your thoughts and behaviors. The goal of these CBT components is to help you learn to handle issues in ways that reduce your stress and allow for more happiness.
How Does CBT Differ From Other Types of Therapy?
CBT is one of several forms of therapy for addressing mental health challenges. The best therapy for you will depend on various factors, including your mental health condition.
When considering the characteristics of cognitive behavioral therapy versus other types, there are differences in perspective on what causes unwanted feelings and behaviors and how best to address those causes. Common therapies include:
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cognitive behavioral therapy | Focuses on how thought patterns cause unhealthy behaviors |
| Psychoanalysis | Focuses on changing behaviors, feelings and thoughts by discovering unconscious motivations |
| Behavior therapy | Considers the role learning plays in normal and abnormal behaviors and often uses desensitization |
| Humanistic therapy | Focuses on the capacity to make rational choices to maximize personal potential |
| Integrative/holistic therapy | Blends elements of other therapy approaches |
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used To Treat?
The use of CBT techniques in therapy is common for various mental health issues. Psychologists and therapists use it to treat several conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia
- Phobias
- Substance use disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Trouble sleeping
- Sexual problems
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT might not completely eliminate your unwanted thoughts and unpleasant feelings, but it can empower you to deal with difficult situations more effectively. The potential benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy include:
- Increased self-awareness
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
- Development of coping strategies
- Improved emotional regulation
- Better interpersonal relationships
How To Know if CBT Is Right for You
CBT can be helpful for people needing short-term guidance on how to identify and address unhealthy thought patterns. It requires persistent effort over the course of several sessions, so commitment to the process is essential.
CBT may not be ideal for people facing complex mental health conditions, including personality disorders. It also might not work well for people with learning disabilities.
In addition, it’s crucial to know that CBT can potentially make you feel more stressed or anxious in the early stages as you learn to spot your thinking patterns. That’s a sign of progress, but some people don’t want to work through that discomfort.
You should also be aware that CBT focuses on current problems. Your therapy may touch on past issues as they relate to today’s issues, but its focus isn’t on exploring and resolving past problems.
How To Find a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Choosing to get therapy for the mental and emotional issues you’re facing is a good decision. Here are some tips for finding a cognitive behavioral therapist:
- Ask your primary care provider if they can recommend some therapists. You should also contact your insurance company (if you have insurance) to ask for their recommendations and learn about your policy benefits.
- Compare your needs to a provider’s experience and credentials.
- Consider logistics, such as the travel time to and from the provider’s location, if you’ll be doing in-person sessions.
- Take advantage of the brief initial consultations many therapists offer to determine if you feel comfortable talking with them.
Explore Cognitive Therapy With Baptist Health
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce the symptoms of a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and many others. If you feel you could benefit from therapy, talk with your Baptist Health primary care physician. If you don’t have one, check out our online provider directory.
Next Steps and Helpful Resources
Learn More About Behavioral Care at Baptist Health
Telemedicine for Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Programs
Inpatient Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit
Psychiatry Programs
