During a course of CBT, a person can learn to:
- Develop an awareness of automatic, unhelpful thoughts
- Challenge underlying assumptions that may be unhelpful
- Distinguish between facts and unhelpful thoughts
- Develop a more helpful way of thinking and seeing situations
Strategies
The exact course of a person’s CBT varies, depending on their symptoms and circumstances. During a typical course, a person:
- Has regular one-on-one or group sessions or a combination of both
- Gets frequent feedback
- Does role-playing activities
- Learns ways to calm the mind and body
- Has gradually increased exposure to the things they fear
- Does homework assignments
- Keeps a cognitive behavioral diary
- Practices skills to promote positive behavioral change and growth
What can it treat?
Psychologists created the first CBT models more than 50 years agoTrusted Source to treat depression. However, since then, new waves of CBT have emerged with new treatment approaches.
A 2021 reviewTrusted Source suggests CBT can be effective for a variety of mental, physical, and behavioral conditions in the short term, including:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa
- Hypochondriasis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Substance misuse and addiction
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Tinnitus
However, the authors highlight that more research is necessary to assess long-term efficacy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is truly a powerful tool for transforming lives! I’ve seen firsthand how it can help people break free from negative thought patterns, challenge assumptions, and develop more helpful ways of thinking.
I love how CBT is a collaborative process between the therapist and individual, working together to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. The strategies mentioned, such as role-playing, exposure therapy, and keeping a cognitive behavioral diary, are all so effective in promoting positive change.
It’s amazing to see the wide range of mental, physical, and behavioral conditions that CBT can treat, from depression and anxiety to ADHD and substance misuse. While more research is needed to assess long-term efficacy, the short-term benefits are undeniable.
Have you or someone you know benefited from CBT? What was your experience like? Share your story with us!
Thank you for sharing such valuable information.