3 Things You Need To Know About CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common form of mental health therapy that helps patients overcome challenges in their life caused by negative and/or harmful thinking patterns.

The Purpose of CBT

A subset of psychotherapy, CBT typically multiple one-on-one sessions between the patient and his or her psychotherapist or trained social worker, the number of which are determined by how well the individual progresses in response to the treatment.

For some people, this may only mean attending a few sessions; for others, ongoing counseling might be necessary to overcome ways of thinking that the patient has held for many years.

Humans are complex beings; we are conditioned by a wide array of stimuli from birth, and affected on deep levels by how we are raised and what we experience as we grow. The purpose of CBT is thus to promote positive thinking and a mindset that can help patients get past real and perceived obstacles.

CBT has been very effective in assisting patients who suffer from chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia as well as managing patients with anxiety. CBT provides individuals with tools they need to effectively manage their condition and their doctors with the information they need to try alternative treatment options, if necessary.

If you are dealing with chronic pain conditions affecting your daily life, CBT is an excellent way to learn how to handle life’s stressful events. Since there continues to remain a bit of confusion concerning CBT, here are some answers to a few common questions about what it is and who it can help:

Is CBT Right For You?

• Your first session is an assessment – your therapist will ask you a series of questions and get to know your individual needs. He or she will discuss their specific approach to treatment and what you can expect if you choose to move forward with the treatment. Remember, you are in no way obligated to commit to therapy or a particular therapist. You should feel completely comfortable and at ease with your decision. More than anything else, you want to make sure the doctor is a good match.

• Everything you say will be kept strictly confidential – the only time your therapist will disclose anything you tell them is if they believe you are an immediate threat to yourself or others. Mental health providers are required by law to report this information for safety purposes.

• CBT is typically shorter than other forms of therapy – most CBT treatment plans take an average of 10-20 hourly sessions to complete. Your therapist will be able to give you an idea of what to expect, but cannot provide an exact number, as this depends on the success of the successive sessions.