Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- How Does it Treat Mental Health Issues?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-known kind of psychotherapy or talk therapy. Individuals participating in this organized strategy work with a mental health counsellor, therapist, or psychotherapist for a certain number of sessions. CBT’s primary purpose is to develop awareness of incorrect or negative thinking processes. It enables people to have a more objective perspective on demanding situations and respond more effectively.

The best psychologist can use CBT or in conjunction with other therapy approaches. It has been demonstrated to be useful in the treatment of a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. CBT is, on the other hand, not confined to persons who have identified mental health issues. It might also be a useful tool for those trying to better their ability to deal with challenging life situations.

What Is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

CBT, a psychotherapeutic approach, places its primary emphasis on addressing dysfunctional emotions, thoughts, and behaviours by employing solution-oriented strategies. It encourages individuals to confront and challenge unhealthy and distorted thoughts, aiming to establish new, healthier behaviour patterns.

This modality operates under the premise that thoughts and perceptions significantly influence one’s behaviour. With CBT, the best psychologist restructures cognitive pathways, redirecting and altering destructive behaviours.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an empirically validated treatment with a strong track record of effectiveness, especially in the management of conditions such as anxiety, general stress, anger management, and various other mental health issues.

Types of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT comprises an array of methods and strategies targeting our cognitive processes, emotions, and behaviours. These encompass a spectrum of interventions, ranging from formal psychotherapeutic modalities to self-improvement techniques. Within the realm of therapeutic practices associated with cognitive behavioural therapy, several distinctive approaches can be identified, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy revolves around the recognition and modification of erroneous or twisted thought patterns, emotional reactions, and behavioural tendencies.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) deals with harmful or troubling thoughts and actions while integrating therapeutic techniques such as managing emotions and fostering mindfulness.
• Multimodal therapy suggests that psychological challenges should be tackled by addressing seven distinct yet interconnected aspects: behaviour, emotions, sensory experiences, mental imagery, thinking patterns, interpersonal dynamics, and considerations related to medication and biology.
• Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) entails the process of identifying irrational beliefs, actively confronting and questioning these beliefs, and ultimately acquiring the ability to detect and modify these patterns of thinking.

Although each variant of cognitive behavioural therapy employs a distinct method, they all share the common goal of addressing the fundamental thought patterns that contribute to psychological distress.

How Does It Work?

Certain psychotherapy approaches delve into past experiences to elucidate present emotions. But CBT distinguishes itself by concentrating on existing thoughts and convictions. It places a strong emphasis on recognizing, questioning, and altering an individual’s perspective on a given situation.

Changing Distortions and Perceptions

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy seeks to reshape any thought patterns and actions that hinder a person from living their desired life. This process entails recognising negative perspectives or distortions that influence behaviour. Such distorted viewpoints can render an individual more susceptible to:

• An unconstructive mindset
• Hastily drawing conclusions
• Perceiving situations as overly disastrous
• Viewing things as either entirely positive or entirely negative without considering shades of gray in between.

When individuals acquire fearful or unproductive thinking patterns, these tendencies can become automatic. CBT’s primary emphasis is on questioning these reflexive thoughts and measuring them against actual circumstances.

When a person begins to perceive a specific situation in a more beneficial light, their distress often diminishes, enabling them to subsequently take actions or make decisions that are more conducive to their long-term well-being.

Issues To Consider Before Choosing CBT

Before opting for CBT, there are several factors to consider:

• CBT may not be the most suitable therapeutic approach for individuals with brain diseases or injuries that impair their rational thinking.
• Active engagement is a fundamental aspect of CBT. This could involve maintaining meticulous journals documenting thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. If you are not willing to invest effort in the process, you might find CBT less effective.
• CBT requires you and your therapist to establish a close and collaborative relationship based on professional trust and mutual respect. So, looking for a professional therapist like Dr Pankaja can be beneficial.
• Although CBT is a short-term kind of treatment, the process of confronting and overcoming problematic thoughts and behavioural patterns may take many months or more.

CBT is a psychotherapy technique in which individuals learn how to adjust their perceptions in order to impact their behaviour and mood favourably. This versatile treatment can help with a variety of mental health issues, ranging from depression to chronic pain. A therapist and their client work together to define goals and expected outcomes, with the individual taking an active role in the therapy to reap the advantages.

Those seeking CBT should seek the advice of a certified practitioner, such as Dr. Pankaja at the Mental Wellness Centre. She delivers a holistic and personalised therapy strategy, painstakingly crafted to meet the individual’s particular mental health challenges, based on her significant expertise as a psychotherapist and clinical psychologist.

About Author

Dr. Pankaja is a recognized clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist, and psychotherapist. She is an expert in mental health and well-being. She has committed her career to research, clinical practise, and imparting vital insights through an all-inclusive treatment plan, with a genuine dedication to helping patients enjoy better, more meaningful lives.