What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, allows people to identify and deconstruct negative thought patterns that have an adverse effect on their emotions and behaviors. Examining and breaking down these thought patterns with the support of a therapist helps people develop new beliefs that are resilient and empowering. (new beliefs that are more useful and resilient) Throughout this process, people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions can alleviate their stress, boost their confidence, and take action to improve their quality of life.

The History of CBT

Dr. Aaron T. Beck, MD, is widely known as the “father” of CBT. In the 1950s, he worked with patients living with depression. Dr. Beck noticed that many of them expressed specific beliefs that created “automatic negative thoughts.” These deeply-held beliefs were affecting their thoughts patterns, which in turn influenced their feelings and behaviors. 

As Dr. Beck helped his patients analyze these cognitive distortions and adapt their thought patterns, they began engaging in healthier behaviors and felt happier in their everyday lives. His early work became the foundation of CBT.

Studies have demonstrated the long-term effects of CBT for people who struggle with anxiety. For example, one documented study found that people who underwent CBT treatment had better outcomes than control groups who didn’t get CBT therapy for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Young children can also experience anxiety disorders. Research shows that children as young as 3 can experience significant improvements in mood and stress levels after modified CBT treatment, and age-appropriate CBT with parental involvement can be an effective form of therapy for children with anxiety. Because CBT is safe and beneficial for all age groups, it is considered the gold standard for anxiety treatment. 

How Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Work?

When starting CBT, your therapist will help you identify thoughts and beliefs that do not serve you. They can also help you explore the roots of these beliefs and determine when these negative thoughts began cropping up. You can begin to see how your thoughts direct your behaviors and use this knowledge to make changes to your life. 

In subsequent sessions, your therapist will help you break down these thought patterns and learn to recognize cognitive distortions. They will help you look for evidence behind your beliefs to avoid engaging in “all or nothing” thinking. Many people who suffer from depression or anxiety are prone to assuming the worst in every situation. For instance, if someone you like rejects you, you might think “I’m unlovable and I’ll never find a partner.” CBT can help you challenge this idea and recognize that one disappointment does not define you. Taking a look at challenging situations from a new angle with the support of a therapist can help you see new outcomes.

The idea that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected is at the core of CBT. A CBT counselor can also help you set realistic goals and start taking steps to achieve what you want in life. By changing the way you think about yourself, CBT can help you take your life in an entirely new direction.

Who Can Benefit From CBT?

Today, CBT is primarily used to treat people with anxiety and depression. People who are struggling with anger management, addiction, eating disorders, phobias, and panic attacks can also benefit from CBT.

Furthermore, CBT is helpful for people who may not be diagnosed with a specific mental health condition, yet still need a bit of help managing their stress or dealing with low self-esteem. Overall, it is a widely applicable form of therapy that can be modified to treat many different conditions.

Why We Offer Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

In our practice, almost all of our therapists incorporate methods drawn from CBT into their clients’ treatment plans. While some of our therapists will use CBT occasionally, others specialize in supporting their clients with CBT and use it as their standard approach. 

Why do our therapists find CBT so useful when it comes to treating clients with different diagnoses? Although CBT is particularly effective for treating clients with anxiety or depression, many of the techniques from CBT are beneficial for anyone, even people who are not struggling with a  mental health condition. Everyone gets stuck in negative thoughts patterns once in a while. Learning how to look for evidence behind your beliefs and shift your perspective is a helpful practice for anyone who would like to manage stress in a healthier way.

You Can Break Free From Negative Thoughts

If you want to work with a therapist who practices cognitive-behavioral therapy, you can reach out to us on our contact page to learn more about our practice. Furthermore, if you would like to book a session, you can head to our scheduling page to set up an appointment at one of our offices in Edina, Plymouth, St. Cloud, or Bloomington.