Considered a “solutions-oriented” resource, Congitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) rests on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior. This therapy method has been proven to be extremely effective in treating many mental health disorders. These mental health diagnoses include, but are not limited to, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
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What is CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
While the name is long and can sound daunting, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy, that focuses on altering negative emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Also known as talk therapy, a counselor will work with people to change their inaccurate and negative thought patterns. This is beneficial for the individual suffering from substance use disorders to view their situation and behavior from a much clearer perspective. As a result of CBT, individuals will use the techniques they learned in therapy to change their negative patterns and how they respond to triggers in a more beneficial and effective manner.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches the individual to focus on a specific problem that is in the past, in a current situation, or possibly in the future.
Then a goal-oriented process is implemented. This will include homework such as readings, possibly activities, and practices that help the individual grow on what they learned in the therapy sessions with their primary therapist. It is encouraged for that individual to apply these new processes of thinking in their everyday life.
Each individual plan with CBT is customized and tailored to that individual’s needs at Miracles Recovery Center on the Treasure Coast. This can include many other types of therapy in combination to maximize the benefit to the individual while in the care of Miracles Recovery Center.
How To Get The Most Out of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
While CBT is a very effective tool in a therapist’s belt. It’s not perfect for everyone. There are a lot of things the individual can do throughout their care to ensure the maximum benefit of CBT.
The first thing the individual should see is that therapy is a partnership and a team effort. When the individual is actively participating in the goals set by the therapist and they share in the decision making process. Helping figure out these major issues to address and set goals is crucial to the success of the individual wishing to recover from addiction.
In creating that team atmosphere with the therapist, the individual should be open and honest. Success depends on being openminded and listening to new insights and new ways to accomplish things. Even when the individual has a painful past which may cause a feeling of shame and embarrassment, it is important to talk with the therapist about these issues and let them know they cause a lot of pain. These can then be addressed at a later time.
Remember that results are not instantaneous. There are many barriers to be overcome when it comes to emotional trauma. It is very common that the beginning stages will actually have the individual feeling worse than when they started. This is completely normal and it is due to the fact that the individual may have been suppressing tough emotional trauma with drugs or alcohol. There is a saying in addiction recovery, “the best part about getting sober is getting your feelings back, the worst part of getting sober…is getting your feelings back.” But over time the results will become evident and the feeling of self-worth will improve.
FAQ
What is the difference between cognitive and behavioral therapy?