Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of psychotherapy that focuses on how a person’s thoughts, attitudes and beliefs affect their feelings and behaviors. CBT emphasizes the need to identify, challenge and change how a person views a stressful situation. It’s a popular treatment method due to its quick, evidence-based effectiveness and affordability.
During CBT, an individual works with a licensed therapist to change their automatic negative reaction to an uncomfortable situation. This negative reaction can make someone more susceptible to a negative or fearful mindset. To transform their way of thinking and behaving, CBT focuses on challenging negative thoughts and reframing them to a more positive and realistic mindset.
As the individual learns to identify distorted and negative thoughts, their way of thinking changes, their distress decreases and they can solve problems in a constructive and productive way. This can lead to a reduction in stress and negative mood while helping them to feel in control.
CBT was first developed to treat depression, and now has been expanded to treat a wide range of mental and physical conditions including:
CBT can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies. It is often most useful when medication is not completely effective in treating certain reactions.
You must be an active participant to benefit from CBT. During a CBT session, the therapist and client will collaboratively identify goals for treatment while also looking for patterns of problematic thinking and behaving. The therapist will then offer helpful strategies to support a client in making productive changes in their life. Between sessions, it is important for the client to practice their newfound techniques to strengthen their new habits and ways of thinking. The client and therapist will come together in the following sessions to evaluate and make changes if necessary.
The therapists of Sound Mind Therapy specialize in CBT and many other evidence-based methods. We invite you to call Sound Mind Therapy to schedule an appointment for individual counseling if you live in St. Charles, Creve Coeur or surrounding areas of greater St. Louis. Call
(314) 499-9144
or complete our online appointment request form.
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