What is cbt?
The central idea of cognitive therapy is that how we think powerfully influences how we feel. Developed by Dr. Aaron Beck at the University of Pennsylvania, the “cognitive model” views distorted or dysfunctional thinking as the primary culprit in the development and perpetuation of such common emotional problems as anxiety and depression.
We know that individuals may be predisposed toward viewing themselves, others, and the world in a particular way due to a variety of factors including genetic influences, early family or peer experiences, and other learning and environmental events. While it is important to appreciate the various influences involved in the development of a person’s way of thinking, it is equally important in cognitive therapy to identify problematic beliefs, evaluate them for accuracy and usefulness, and then modify them, as needed, to both feel and function better in your day to day life.
Several elements distinguish CBT from more traditional forms of therapy:
It is unique in having been empirically validated in thousands of studies as the most effective treatment for a wide variety of problems.
It is a more short-term, active, problem and present-oriented therapy which values collaboration and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. By this I mean that the therapist’s conceptualizations of the issues, and the strategies for addressing them, are made explicit and are agreed upon with the patient.
There’s no smoke and mirrors or guessing at what I think. Feedback is an essential aspect of CBT sessions. You will have a partner in your efforts to make important changes in your life, and you will get feedback and be asked for feedback along the way.
CBT is effective for so many reasons, but one is that because sessions are more focused, the time is used much more efficiently. The work is focused, but not rigid, so that we can address concerns from any area of your life in session. The therapy is goal directed, so while we will be exploring much about your internal and external experiences, you will not feel as though you are floundering around without a direction.