What Types of Issues Are Treated By Cognitive-Behavourial Therapy Techniques?
In today's world of psychotherapy and psychology techniques, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a popular and sometimes "overused" term.
Since CBT is one of our specialties here at KMA Therapy, and we sure love evidence-based treatment modalities, we wanted to share some information on conditions that can be treated with Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
First of all, you might be wondering what is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy?
CBT is a form of therapy that is proven to increase happiness, contentment overall, motivation, and decrease a person's amount of stress and anxiety. It's based on the assertion that we have control over your feelings, actions that are driven by the thoughts that occur on a daily basis. Most of us function on 'dysfunctional' understandings (you'll find out what yours are in your sessions!) which holds us back from what we really want and want to achieve. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is really quite different from psychotherapy or counselling because the sessions are action-based, ie: we work together, sometimes side-by-side, to complete activities, challenges, and work. It is challenging, but it's also a lot of fun and very collaborative. During many of the sessions for CBT with your therapist, you will be doing engaging in eye-opening exercises and you will complete assigned homework until your next session.
In order to have a successful CBT session, you have to be able to do your homework, show your commitment and you will be able to make significant changes in your life.
What are the benefits of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and what are the types of issues that are treated by Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Techniques?
CBT offers a wide range of treatments for a wide variety of symptoms/issues (which is backed up by a LOT of research!) By the end of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, we aim to have you to understand the negative mechanical thoughts that form our belief systems. You will be able to identity peoples, situations and events in your life that has enabled the negative beliefs that you possess. Lastly, you will be able to challenge these negative beliefs that hold you back and to develop new, functional understandings and provide awareness and tools to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is proven to be effective for the following:
- More healthy relationships
- More fulfilling relationships
- confidence in your career
- anxiety
- depression
- self-esteem in dating
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Therapy)
- Marriage Issues
- Addiction Problems
- Bereavement Issues
- Stress Issues
- Anger Issues
- Eating-Disorders
- Divorce
- Weight Issues
Other important things you should know before starting Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy are:
- Time and effort will make CBT successful, it is not a fast fix. Your therapist(s) will guide and encourage you but they can't do it for you!
- Anxiety is an issue that needs to be confronted head on. It might make you feel more anxious for a short period that you may feel overwhelmed however, that is part of the process of getting better.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is most successful and effective when you are willing to be hard-working, committed and wholehearted during the whole duration of your sessions. Regularly sessions are key to Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
At KMA Therapy, we provide Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy with almost all of our clients. You will begin with a 30 minute intake session with Kimberly, the owner of KMA Therapy, or one of the other consultation counsellors. If you feel C.B.T. is for you or you're dealing with any of the issues listed above, go to a professional for help.
