Hey, there lovelies! If you’ve come here because your anxiety levels are through the roof or you’re just really overwhelmed with getting ready for the holidays or even just day-to-day life, then you’re in the right place. CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has become a buzzword in the mental health world and for a good reason. CBT is a practical and effective form of psychotherapy or, “talk therapy” that focuses on the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the idea that our thoughts play a significant role in determining how we feel and behave and aims to help individuals change negative thought patterns that can lead to maladaptive behaviors. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins of CBT, how it can help you manage anxiety and chronic conditions, and what exactly it entails. Impact-Site-Verification: 79a6197f-26a6-4f05-81dc-1bb1b383af10
Origins of CBT
CBT therapy originated in the United States in the 1960s as a merger between two distinct forms of therapy – Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Therapy.
American psychiatrist Dr. Aaron T. Beck observed that individuals with depression often had negative automatic thoughts about themselves, their experiences, and their future that would pop up uninvited and often lead to negative behaviors.
This led him to develop the concept of cognitive distortions, or errors in thinking, which he believed contributed to emotional distress. He developed a series of techniques to help his patients recognize these thoughts and replace them with more positive ones.
While Dr. Beck pioneered Cognitive Therapy, which emphasizes the way we think influences our emotions, behaviors and beliefs. Dr Albert Ellis introduced the Behavioral Therapy style which focuses on the patterns of behavior that limit our potential, and that contribute to our mental health problems.
These techniques laid the foundation for the development of CBT, which has since evolved into the modern-day form of CBT and has been adapted and applied to a wide range of mental health conditions. Today, it is considered one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy and continues to evolve as researchers and therapists continue to refine and improve its techniques.
How CBT is Good For Anxiety
Anxiety is a universal emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. Whether it is the racing heartbeat before a big exam or the unease you feel when meeting new people, anxiety can take on many forms. However, for some people, anxiety is not just a passing emotion but a persistent reality that can affect their daily lives and relationships. If you’re one of those people, then you may have heard of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT.
Approximately 284 million people suffer from anxiety, making it one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide, with women more susceptible than men , how’s that fair?
CBT therapy is particularly helpful when it comes to managing anxiety. CBT emphasizes identifying signs and triggers of anxiety, and practical skills to deal with anxiety. It also promotes healthy ways of thinking, resilience-building and self-care. Research has shown that CBT can be highly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, making it a widely used treatment approach for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
This type of therapy can help individuals understand and manage their anxious thoughts and learn coping skills to deal with anxiety-provoking situations. It may also involve exposure to feared situations in a safe and controlled environment.
CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders because it teaches individuals to recognize and challenge irrational beliefs that can fuel anxiety. It teaches individuals to identify their negative thoughts and provides them with tools to reframe them positively. This is crucial when dealing with anxiety because individuals can become so accustomed to negative beliefs that they can find themselves stuck in a negative cycle. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help individuals break that cycle.
How CBT is Good for Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions can make a person feel helpless and like their life is out of their control. CBT can be incredibly beneficial for individuals stuck in the thick of things, including conditions such as; chronic pain and inflammation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Tinnitus and many others.
It can become challenging to manage negative thoughts and feelings. Adding the pain of chronic conditions into the mix can be like throwing gasoline on your proverbial fire. CBT can help you feel empowered and in control of your thoughts and behaviors. It can teach individuals how to cope with their conditions, resulting in a better quality of life.
Exactly What is CBT?
We’ve touched on some of the basics of CBT, but what does it entail?
CBT is a goal-oriented and evidence-based treatment approach that aims to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. It is a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual seeking treatment, where they work together to understand and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
CBT is typically done in a one-on-one or group setting with a licensed therapist. Sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and can go on for several weeks or even months.
During CBT, the therapist will work with the individual to identify negative thought patterns and provide them with tools to challenge and reframe these thoughts. CBT often involves homework assignments to help individuals reinforce what they’ve learned in therapy.
So What I’m Saying is…
In short, CBT therapy is a practical and effective form of psychotherapy that can help you connect with the connections between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors which can improve your quality of life. For people struggling with anxiety and chronic conditions, it can provide essential coping mechanisms and skills to handle challenging situations. CBT therapists will help you identify negative thought patterns and beliefs that are at the root of your problems. They will provide practical and effective coping strategies and skills to manage your emotions and behaviors better. As a result, you will start to experience a more positive outlook and maintain a better quality of life.
CBT can be an incredibly effective tool commonly used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. It can also be helpful in managing symptoms of chronic pain, relationship problems, and substance abuse. If you’re dealing with any of these conditions, I highly recommend finding a licensed therapist trained in CBT. It can be a game-changer in your mental health journey, and you deserve that positive change!
So, let us embrace the principles of CBT and spread awareness about its benefits in improving mental well-being.
Remember, seeking help is a brave and necessary step towards finding relief and healing. It is never too late to start your journey towards a happier and healthier you!
Until next time, stay brash, stay mindful and stay true to your beautiful selves. You totally matter!
