What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy that connects a patient's thoughts (cognition) to their actions (behavior). It is based on the observation that people's actions are frequently predictors of their thoughts. CBT, a type of talk therapy, assists patients in managing their problems by altering their thinking and behavior.
A psychiatrist's goal in CBT is usually to help a patient overcome their unhealthy patterns of thinking, which frequently lead to negative actions. When a patient learns to think positively and healthily, it leads to positive action, which improves their quality of life.
Where is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used?
CBT is a popular treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. It has also been shown to be effective in treating physical problems, as well as problems with alcohol and drugs, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
TMS therapy Long Beach professionals believe that CBT can be used effectively in children who have tantrums and sleep problems.
CBT therapist near me can also be used in conjunction with medication for patients suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, according to research. CBT has also been shown to benefit patients who have a greater ability to identify and articulate their thoughts and feelings, as well as share them in a non-defensive and focused manner.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy simplified!
Did you know that you could effectively identify your negative and unproductive thought patterns and teach yourself new ways of thinking? You can follow these simple steps learned from a Long Beach, CA psychiatrist:
- Get a sheet of paper and divide it into two columns
Take a blank sheet of paper and draw a line from the top to the bottom. This will result in two columns. Put the title "Old and Unproductive Thoughts" at the top of the column on the left. Write the title "Replacement Thoughts" at the top of the right-hand column.
- Capture all your unproductive thoughts
Begin writing all of your old and ineffective thoughts in the column on the left side of your sheet of paper. These should be the negative thoughts you have on a regular basis. They could be anxious thoughts, self-critical thoughts, suicidal thoughts, extremely negative thoughts, worries, thoughts displaying a lack of self-esteem, or any other thoughts that are self-deprecating, hold you back, and make you unhappy. Write your ideas in the first person. That's how they sound when you say them to yourself.
- Create counter thoughts that replace the unproductive thoughts
Create positive replacement thoughts and write them in the column on the right-hand side of your sheet of paper for each old and unproductive thought you wrote in the column on the left-hand side of your sheet of paper. Simply write the opposite of the negative and unproductive thoughts in the column on the left-hand side of your sheet of paper.
Ensure that the replacement thoughts are more productive, constructive, and self-affirming than the old and unproductive ones, as advised by the
Long Beach psychiatrist. Also, make sure that the new thoughts aren't false statements you're telling yourself, such as telling yourself that everything will be fine when it isn't.
This step assists you in coaching yourself through difficult situations and emotional reactions in a positive manner. It validates your ability to affect change in yourself and the world around you.
- Read through your created counter thoughts
Begin by going over your list of replacement thoughts several times a day. See how this simple exercise will transform your life by constantly memorizing and affirming the content of your replacement thoughts.
- Reflect on the positive energy discovered through replacing your thoughts
Over time, you'll notice that you're generating a tremendous amount of positive energy within yourself, which influences how you interact with the world around you. As you go about your daily activities, you'll notice that whenever your old negative thoughts arise, you stop them.
Continue to reject negative and unproductive thoughts while speaking and thinking about the corresponding replacement thoughts until they become ingrained in your subconscious mind. This is the essence of cognitive restructuring. It necessitates perseverance and consistency.
What are the pros and cons of CBT?
You’ll need to know the advantages and disadvantages of CBT to make an informed decision regarding using it. The advantages are as follows:
- It has the potential to treat some mental health disorders, including cases where medication alone has failed.
- When compared to other talking therapies, it can be completed in a relatively short period of time.
- Because of its highly structured nature, it can be delivered in a variety of formats, including groups, computer programs, and self-help books.
- Its skills can be applied effectively in everyday life.
The disadvantages of CBT are as follows:
- To reap the benefits of the process, one must be committed.
- Attending the various sessions of CBT can take a long time.
- It may not be appropriate for people with complex mental health needs and learning disabilities due to its highly structured nature.
- It may not adequately address underlying causes of mental distress, such as a difficult childhood.
- It focuses on individuals' ability to change themselves while ignoring larger issues in systems and families that frequently impact an individual's health and well-being.
How do I locate a CBT therapist near me?
If you need assistance finding a good CBT therapist Los Angeles or anywhere near you, please contact us at (562) 203-0567 or send us an email using info@rootstms.com.