Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is designed to help you become aware of negative thought patters and subsequently, literally change the way you think. This is a form of “talk therapy” that is completed with a highly trained behavioral therapist.
The manner of which the therapy sessions are conducted is specifically structured to help you change your perceptions and thinking.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is not like traditional therapy in the sense that there is a targeted completion date for this type of therapy. Traditional therapy is open ended and can persist for a very long period of time. Cognitive behavioral therapy requires fewer sessions because its essence is designed to quickly address your thinking and emotional challenges. Cognitive behavioral therapy is aimed to manage a wide array of mental health issues, including addiction.
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Manage symptoms of mental health problems
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Relapse prevention
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Emotional support
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Conflict resolution
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Learn effective communication skills
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Coping mechanism for grief which is often accompanied when an addict stops using drugs
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a very effective method. CBT may stand alone or it may be used in conjunction with a wide array of other treatment options.
We believe in treating the disease of addiction with a holistic approach. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the ways in which we aim to help the addict get the thinking portion of their disease to a new and optimal level of health.
Are There Any Risks Involved with Participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a safe and effective form of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy does explore feelings and memories that may be painful for the addict. This is a very important part of the process as we believe “the only way out of something is through it”.
You may experience anger, sadness or any other negative emotion during a cognitive behavioral therapy session. Your qualified therapist is there to support and guide you through any unpleasant feelings that may be surfacing.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be emotionally draining. A combination of plenty of rest, sunshine and physical exercise is advised throughout your entire process of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Many recovering addicts have spoken very highly of the benefits they received from participating in cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy works well for anyone; it is not just limited to those with addiction problems. This type of therapy is used to help a myriad of other mental health disorders as well. CBT is successful for people who just wish to change their negative thought patterns as well.
Your behavioral therapist’s goal is to simply be the catalyst that helps bring to light your own inner awareness of how to change your thoughts, thereby changing your life.
If you think that you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, talk with your counselor or case manager. This type of therapy may just be the best program to incorporate into your treatment plan.