What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Did you know that most people who struggle with behavioral and mental issues are able to overcome them after only ten to twenty sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a technique that assists people to overcome negative patterns. It also helps participants to change these unhelpful thought patterns. 

Do you want to find out if it’s a good idea to embrace cognitive behavioral therapy while attending rehab centers in Tennessee? If so, keep reading and we’ll tell you what’s important to know. 

The Basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is an effective technique. It helps people to get to the root of their destructive behaviors and thought patterns. While other techniques seek to address behaviors and emotions, the goal of CBT is to focus on what causes them. 

Regardless of whether you’re aware of it, all humans have automatic thought patterns that influence how you feel and what you do.

Those who have problems with mental wellness usually have one thing in common. They have negative automatic thoughts that influence their moods in harmful ways. 

Most people who work with CBT are able to get better. They learn to identify negative thoughts and challenge them. They can then and them with more helpful thought patterns. 

CBT is actually a blend of cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy focuses on how you feel and what you think. Behavioral therapy’s goal is to target specific actions and behaviors. 

This therapy technique is effective at treating various conditions. This includes depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and chronic pain.

What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Looks Like in Practice

If you work with a therapist who practices CBT you’ll likely meet at their office where she or he will give you support and direction. Your therapist will first want to understand how your thought patterns trigger unhealthy actions. 

She or he will then work with you to create more balanced and helpful strategies for responding to stressful situations. Together you’ll develop new behaviors. These will help you overcome difficult mental health conditions and unhelpful thought patterns. 

Skilled therapists will help you develop the tools to work with on your own after your therapy sessions have come to an end. Over time you’ll become more aware of your negative patterns so that it gets easier to shift your behavior. Therefore, you’ll reframe your thinking when you feel triggered and under stress. 

Most therapists help their patients to develop healthy habits. This might include meditating, journaling, and self-expression. Every therapist works differently and it’s important to find one who offers an approach that works for you.

If you’re ready to overcome an addiction, it’s a great idea to enroll in an inpatient rehab center that offers cognitive behavioral therapy. 

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works

CBT is a short-term approach. Other approaches such as psychoanalysis require years of treatment and support. Most patients are able to get better in as little as twenty sessions. After the therapy is complete, people often continue visiting their therapists to get support and guidance. 

Therapists who practice CBT will encourage their patients to start in the present moment. Patients will then work backward into their past to explore the subconscious roots of issues they suffer from. 

When you start participating in CBT sessions, don’t be surprised if your therapist asks you to start keeping a journal. Journaling will help you to make sense of life situations and how you respond. This will help you and your therapist to make sense of what’s been happening in your life. 

If you are struggling with addiction, it’s important to also make sure of other mental health services. 

Different Kinds of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

There are many different kinds of cognitive behavior therapy. Every technique works to address thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in different ways. 

Some people choose to embrace a self-help approach to CBT. Others prefer to get help from psychotherapists who can offer more structure. Here are some of the most popular approaches.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

This therapy technique uses different strategies related to mindfulness. It’s a good technique for those who want to learn to regulate their emotions. 

Cognitive Therapy

The goal of this therapy technique is to make sense of and change distorted thought patterns. This includes emotional responses as well as behaviors. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

This is a great technique for those who want to develop strategies for coping with challenging situations. Participants will learn emotional regulation techniques and explore mindfulness practices. 

Multimodal Therapy

This approach aims to address seven different modalities to treat mental problems. The modalities include affect, sensation, and cognition. 

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

People use this technique to understand their beliefs. They can then challenge these beliefs. Lastly, participants learn to change their thought patterns. 

The Origins of CBT

The technique was invented by Aaron Beck in the 1960s. He noticed one important thing. There was a relationship between thought patterns and emotional problems. He called these “automatic thoughts.” 

Other techniques that were popular at the time emphasized different things. This included associations, reinforcements, and punishments. Beck created CBT to instead focus on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Rehab Centers in Tennessee and CBT

Are you wondering what are the best rehab centers in Tennessee? If so, make sure that you look for facilities that offer cognitive behavioral therapy.

This is an effective approach for treating addictions. It helps participants to make sense of their underlying emotions and thoughts. They can then effectively change their behaviors. 

Are you looking for a rehab center that offers CBT? If so, we’re here for you.

As Tennessee’s premier rehab and detox center, we can help you get your life back on track. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to find out how we can support you.