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Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of talk therapy that helps people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. CBT teaches skills to recognize and change negative patterns.
Is CBT effective?
Yes, CBT has been shown to be effective for many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as physical health problems like chronic pain.
How many sessions of CBT are needed?
CBT is typically a short-term treatment that usually lasts for 12-20 sessions. However, the number of sessions may vary depending on the individual’s needs and progress.
Who can benefit from CBT?
CBT can be helpful for individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, or physical health problems, such as chronic pain. It can also be helpful for individuals who want to improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that aims to modify dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions. It combines cognitive therapy, which focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions and developing personal coping strategies, with behavioral therapy techniques. CBT is a structured, short-term, present-oriented approach used to treat a variety of mental health conditions in both children and adults.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) operates by examining the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Here are some examples of how CBT works:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Thought challenging | CBT encourages questioning and challenging negative thoughts or beliefs that contribute to distress. |
| Behavioral experiments | Individuals engage in real-life experiments to test the accuracy of their beliefs and develop new perspectives. |
| Problem-solving skills | CBT equips individuals with practical problem-solving techniques to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. |
| Exposure therapy | Gradual exposure to feared situations helps individuals confront and manage anxiety in a controlled manner. |
| Relaxation techniques | CBT teaches relaxation exercises like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and promote calmness. |
By actively participating in therapy and applying these techniques, individuals can experience positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
This post was originally published on Feb. 9, 2023. It was updated on April 18, 2024.
