Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

When we feel out of control, we often try to control things that we can’t (like other people, for example). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that helps us control what we can most influence—ourselves. It is a systematic, structured therapy that focuses on the continual, moment-to-moment links between what we think, feel and do throughout our days.  Our thought patterns quickly change our feelings, which in turn influence the choices we make. Do we feel confident and ready to risk the next challenge, or are we afraid to push ourselves because failure would be unbearable? Our small choices each day (Do I go out or stay home?), and the accuracy of our momentary thoughts (I am not as good as other people/I am fine the way I am) cumulatively change the course of our lives.

CBT teaches us that small, consistent changes can lead to radically powerful results. This approach gives people the concrete tools they need to relieve stress, anxiety or depression and often involves an action-plan for a finite number of sessions.

CBT works best for people who are highly motivated, and emphasizes core principles (ie. feelings are not facts!), focuses on objective data, and involves homework such as tracking automatic negative or distorted thoughts and practicing skills for self-soothing. There is a great deal of evidence* that this approach works with a range of emotional problems.