What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) like? CBT is a type of therapy that helps people change their thoughts and behaviors in order to improve their mental health. CBT can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
CBT is usually conducted in sessions with a trained therapist, who will help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your condition. You will then learn strategies for replacing these thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones. This process can help you manage your symptoms and feel happier and more confident.
A cognitive-behavioral therapy program in Houston, TX, can help you change your thinking and behavior to achieve long-term recovery. Reach out to The Right Step Houston by calling 1.844.768.0169 and learn how CBT can help you or a loved one.
What Is CBT Like when Compared to Other Therapies?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change negative patterns of thought about the self and the world that negatively influence behavior and emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is different from other types of therapy in that it focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors instead of just exploring emotions. CBT can accompany or even encompass other forms of treatment, such as:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Mindfulness
- Motivational interviewing
- Dynamic psychotherapy
- Compassion-focused therapy
Each of these techniques can help you restructure negative patterns of thought and behavior.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Like?
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy like, then? The answer to that question often depends on your addiction or mental disorder and the approach taken by your therapist. It also depends on your progress during the early stages of rehab.
CBT is not a long-term form of therapy. Counseling may last up to 20 sessions. The purpose of this type of therapy is to help rewire your thinking so that you can move on to more advanced forms of therapy. Your goal is to identify the link between your mindset and your addiction or other mental health disorder. Once you see how your thinking affects mental health and addiction, you develop a plan to replace your negative thinking with positive thinking.
CBT is talk therapy. Therefore, it requires your willingness to share your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist may conduct CBT in an individual or group setting. The more you are willing to share, the more you will get out of the sessions.
Mindfulness: A Key Component in CBT
Negative thinking is often self-evident. You can identify negative thoughts such as anger, jealousy, guilt, temptations, stress, anxiety, or depression. However, you may not always be aware that these thoughts plague your mind – even while they are happening.
Mindfulness is a holistic approach that reinforces cognitive behavioral therapy and helps you answer the question, “what is cognitive-behavioral therapy like?” Mindfulness teaches you to be aware of what you are thinking without judging yourself or others. If you can catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, then you can replace these thoughts with more positive ones.
Your therapist will teach you skills to manage your thoughts more effectively. Doing so will help you resist temptation or find an effective solution to your cravings. You will also learn to identify the triggers that cause you to want to drink, take drugs, or otherwise affect your mental health.
Find Out More About Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy like? Find the answers at The Right Step Houston. We offer evidence-based treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. To schedule a consultation with a treatment specialist, contact us today at 1.844.768.0169. At The Right Step Houston, the first step is yours. We’ll help you with the rest.