Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is used to help people recognize their unhelpful thinking habits to change behaviors. Here are a few things to know about cognitive behavior therapy.
CBT Can Help People With Various Conditions
Cognitive behavior therapy can be used as a treatment for many conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and eating disorders, because CBT targets harmful thinking patterns and attitudes that greatly affect a person’s behavior. In CBT, you’ll learn coping strategies that can help you change these thought processes to create positive behaviors.
CBT Takes Less Time Than Other Forms of Therapy
While some forms of therapy involve years of sessions, the average number of sessions of cognitive behavior therapy San Jose CA is 16. In psychodynamic therapy, many of the first sessions may be filled with discussing past events and traumas that have led to current feelings. CBT focuses less on the past and more on current thoughts, behaviors and feelings, which allows you to quickly dive in and learn better alternatives to unproductive thought patterns.
Homework Assignments Are a Key Part of CBT
Homework assignments allow you to continue the learning process when you are not in a session. Homework assignments will vary based on your condition and the length of time you’ve been in therapy. Your therapist may ask you to self-assess your behaviors in a journal, practice relaxation techniques or track your moods with a therapy app. Whatever the assignment, it is designed to help you employ methods you’ve learned in therapy sessions in real-life situations.
While different types of therapy work for a wide variety of people, it’s important to choose the right therapy option for you. Sit down for a consultation with a therapist to discuss if CBT is right for you.
