Cognitive Behavioral Theraphy

Psychotheraphy, Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of mental health counseling (psychotherapy). With cognitive behavioral therapy, you work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking, so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.

CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) cannot remove your problems, but it can help you deal with them in a more positive way. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle.

CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) aims to help you crack this cycle by breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller parts and showing you how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel.

Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past. It looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.

Mental health conditions that may improve with cognitive behavioral therapy include:

• Sleep disorders
• Sexual disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Personality disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective when it's combined with other treatments, such as antidepressants or other medications.

Pros and cons of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of CBT.

Research has shown that CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) can be as effective as medication in treating some mental health problems. Compared to other talking therapies, CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) can also be completed over a relatively short period of time.

However, to benefit from CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy), you need to commit yourself to the process. A therapist can help and advise you, but they cannot make your problems go away without your full co-operation.

Also, due to the structured nature of CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) it may not be suitable for people with more complex mental health needs or learning difficulties.

 

References;

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/basics/why-its-done/prc-20013594

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy/pages/introduction.aspx