What is CBT?

By Jade Caswell, MA, LMHC, NCC

            Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) is one of the most common and best researched forms of psychotherapy, but what is it- really? CBT is actually a combination of two distinct therapeutic approaches, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and incorporates features of both. Put together, CBT can be best described as an approach that helps people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term therapy that considers the role biological, psychological and social factors contribute to a person's mental health. In addition, it is a well-researched treatment for mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and stress management. For example, CBT can aid individuals with mood disorders reframe their negative thoughts and practice identifying how these thoughts contribute to their emotions and behaviors. Self-monitoring can be assigned as homework, and can help an individual identify their stressors, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and coping strategies. A therapist can assist in recognizing patterns of thoughts and behaviors and teaching healthy coping strategies. CBT is a collaborative approach, with therapists and clients working together to create goals, evaluate progress and achieve the best outcome. While CBT encompasses a wide variety of interventions, a few of the most common ones are described below:

Mindfulness/ Relaxation: Learning to connect with the present moment and utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or meditation to manage emotional responses.

Cognitive Reframing: Identifying unhelpful or negative thoughts and reframing these in a positive direction.

Behavioral Activation: Scheduling pleasant daily activities, breaking the cycle of avoidance and withdrawal and increasing engagement in life. (Often used as a part of treatment for depression.)

Exposure: Safely and gradually approaching fears to decrease avoidance and associated anxieties. (Often used as part of treatment for phobias and social anxieties.)

Thought Records/ Journaling: Identifying the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and aiding emotional processing and self-monitoring.

Interested in starting CBT? Our highly skilled and trained therapists are happy to help you start your journey today! Please reach out to our office at 813-335-9794. We look forward to hearing from you!