Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a short-term, problem-focused form of behavioral treatment that teaches the difference between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. The end goal of this treatment is to free someone from unhelpful patterns of behavior. CBT is grounded in the belief that it is a person’s perception of events rather than the events themselves that determines how he or she will feel and act in response. The experienced therapists at Summer Counseling use CBT in a range of different situations, helping residents of Oakdale, Minnesota, address negative thoughts and learn to see things in a brighter light.
When Is CBT Useful?
CBT is the gold standard treatment for most scenarios. It can help with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance dependency
- Persistent pain
- Disordered eating
- Sexual issues
- Anger management issues
Most people with clearly defined behavioral and emotional concerns reap the benefits of CBT. If any of the above issues resonate with you, it’s worth trying cognitive behavioral therapy. It’s one of the most effective forms of therapy for adults and teens.
How Does CBT Work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is much more than talking about whatever comes to mind during a session. With CBT, you’ll be able to adjust the thoughts that directly influence your emotions and behavior. This adjustment process is referred to as cognitive restructuring, which happens through different CBT techniques. Some of these techniques are:
- Journalling
- Challenging beliefs
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Social, physical, and thinking exercises
CBT sessions are structured to ensure that the therapist and the person in treatment are both focused on the goals of each session, which in turn ensures that each and every session is productive.
Let’s Look at an Example of CBT in Action…
Sarah is 8. Her parents describe her as "going from 0-60 in no time flat" because of how intense her anger can be over seemingly benign things. Her last outburst occurred because she was asked to turn off her game to go to basketball practice (which she loves). She ignored her parents at first, then stomped around the room, yelling and refusing to get in the car.
Sarah struggles with transitions, or stopping a preferred activity to do something else. Even when the new activity is fun, or she knew about it in advance! Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sarah learned about using flexible, positive thinking and practiced a calming routine to help with her anger. At the same time, her parents learned new strategies to help Sarah practice handling transitioning activities. In a few short weeks, Sarah was having a lot more fun at basketball, and the whole family felt calmer and more peaceful. This isn’t the only case where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy might be beneficial!
CBT for Young Children
For young children, CBT identifies your child's perspective or the underlying goal of their behavior. Children are taught to identify the emotion they are experiencing and change their thinking that is causing the feeling. When a child changes her perspective on a problem, her reactions are less intense. We then focus on finding tactics that help transition emotional regulation skills from the office to home and school.
CBT for Teens and Young Adults
For teens and young adults, CBT becomes more abstract as they are able to begin to understand their emotions and reactions more in-depth. Teens learn to identify the unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that guide their emotions, decisions, and reactions, and challenge these thoughts and beliefs in a safe and non-judgmental way.
You, Too, Can Achieve Real Change With CBT
What do you think about "X"? Is this accurate, logical, or an assumption? What is the likely reality of "X"? What is a better explanation? Are your thoughts and emotional reactions to "X" helpful or harmful? By using CBT techniques, people can develop different, more positive thinking patterns that better reflect reality and improve self-esteem. This leads to:
- A reduction in anxiety, anger, and depression symptoms
- Improved communication and problem-solving
- A more peaceful and content family
- A greater understanding of your internal dialogue
- Thinking patterns and beliefs that better reflect the reality around you
- A more empathetic self-image
We aim to ease your suffering, improve your problems, and help you live a healthier, happier life. If you’d like us to show you firsthand how CBT can dramatically improve your life, please contact Summer Counseling today to book an appointment! We offer in-person sessions at our Oakdale office as well as telehealth for the convenience of our clients.