Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured therapy that has shown to be effective for a number of diagnoses and symptoms, such as:

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1. Anxiety Based Disorders

2. Depression

3. Trauma/PTSD

4. Stress Management

5. Functional Disorders (Such as Functional Neurological Disorders and Functional Dyspepsia)

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What to Expect from CBT Treatment:

Step 1:

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Your therapist and you will collaborate to decide if CBT is a good fit for your symptoms. If you both decide to move forward with this treatment, the first step will be to complete a comprehensive history and treatment plan. 

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Step 2:

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Cognitive-behavioral therapy includes skills focused on improving cognitive habits (e.g. the way you perceive the world, yourself, and other people), learning skills to more effectively respond to emotions, and improving behavioral responses to emotions. Typically step 2 involves learning about the theory of CBT, understanding how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, and learning skills.

Through CBT techniques, you will learn how to minimize avoidance and other problematic behavioral responses to emotions.  

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Step 3:

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Once you have learned skills in step 2, the next focus is on application. It is very common in CBT to have homework asking you to practice skills discussed daily. For example, your therapist may ask you to complete a thought log daily practicing reframing thoughts. There are many ways to address cognitions. CBT recognizes addressing thought habits as one of the most important skills as thoughts (and underlying core beliefs) heavily influence emotions and emotional intensity. 

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Step 4: 

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Continue practice. After learning skills to manage thoughts, address behavioral responses to emotions, and learning to manage emotions, you will devise a plan with your therapist to continue practicing.