What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of counseling treatment used to help individuals explore  and understand how their thoughts and feelings influence their behaviors. During counseling treatment the individual learns how to identify and change destructive thinking patterns that negatively impact their behaviors and lives. CBT is used to treat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, addictions, mood disorders, phobias, self-injury, emotional eating and weight loss.

For example, a teen girl gets into a fight with her friends at school. She thinks that the reason she got in a fight with her friends is all of her fault because I told my friend I didn't like her clothes and becomes sad. She then self-injures because she feels like its all her fault and she should punish herself. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy would be implemented to help the teen identify her irrational thinking pattern ("I got into a fight with my friends and it is all of my fault.") When she thinks about her irrational thought she begins to feel sad. When she feels sad (feeling) she self-injures (behavior) herself. Once the teen can identify her thoughts, she can learn to reframe her negative thinking patterns with a less destructive thoughts.

A licensed counselor can help you learn ways to change your negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors. To learn more about our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy services at Life Balance Counseling, please call our office at 888.234.7628 or contact us online.