Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on shifting the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of an individual. It is used to help individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that are causing problems in their lives.

 

Some core concepts in CBT include: 

 

Thought-Feeling-Behavior Cycle: The core of CBT is understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. For example, a negative thought (“I’m not good enough”) can lead to negative emotions (feeling sad or anxious), which then might result in negative behaviors (withdrawing from social activities).

 

Cognitive Distortions: CBT helps people recognize negative or distorted thinking patterns. These are automatic, irrational thoughts that often make situations seem worse than they are, such as thinking, “I’m a failure” or “Nothing ever goes right.”

 

Behavioral Changes: CBT encourages shifts in behavior that will decrease negative thoughts and experiences. Interventions may include exposure therapy to reduce fears around a particular event, or a behavioral “activation” plan to increase positive behaviors. 

 

Each CBT intervention is designed to help individuals make gradual, sustainable changes to their behavior, which in turn helps improve emotional regulation and overall mental health.