Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a classic talk therapy technique that helps increase awareness of negative thinking in order to better handle challenging situations. In addition to helping those with mental health disorders (such as anxiety or depression), CBT is also helpful for anyone who is looking to learn how to manage stressful situations. Therapists that use CBT often have a structured program, which involves a set number of sessions. CBT is frequently paired with other treatments, such as medication, when necessary. Think this approach may be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s CBT experts today.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of therapy.

— Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, Clinical Social Worker in Coronado, CA

My principle training was in addictions, pain management and rehabilitation psychology. I was trained in this modality as a principle intervention with these populations.

— Scott Hoye, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
 

CBT offers a lot of specific evidence-based (proven!) skills that can help you to address negative thought patterns that get in the way of living your life. This is the go-to treatment for anxiety, depression, and a number of other issues. I use CBT with many patients, but it can be integrated with other treatment approaches, depending on your goals.

— Wade McDonald, Clinical Psychologist in Frisco, TX

I utilize CBT approaches as treatment for a variety of mental health disorders

— Nicole Jenkins, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Brooklyn, NY
 

Yeah, I am not really a fan of CBT. I listed it because it is the one people most readily know. The problem with CBT is that it is Just. So. Basic. That doesn't mean I don't know to use it, but if I do use it, you probably wouldn't know that it was happening. I know the concepts and how to apply them, but the most important aspect of change is the relationship between me and you. However, if you would like to quiz me on it, I am up for the challenge.

— Derrick Hoard, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , WA

Sometimes the roots run deeper than simple, practical coaching skills. CBT allows us to dive deeper as we discuss core fears, trauma and beliefs that hold you back. We may look at your earliest memories and beliefs as we work on reframing them to be beliefs that are in line with who you are becoming. We then give space for processing the "cognition" (thoughts and beliefs) and then look at how we can adjust the behaviors to be in line with who we are becoming.

— Karilyn (Kay) Bela, Counselor in Lancaster, PA
 

What you think affects how you feel. When you feel better, you act better. The way you behave contributes to how you feel. CBT is empowering. We'll look at the interaction of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When we examine your Core Beliefs- about yourself, your life, and your future, you will gain the power to change how you think about every situation you are in, and you can think, feel, and act more effectively.

— Kathryn Gates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX

What are the thoughts playing on repeat for you? What are the negative spirals your mind falls into? Through CBT, you'll understand how your mind works, reframe unproductive, self-limiting beliefs, and develop personalized strategies to help you feel better. Counteract depression, anxiety, shaky self-esteem, and irritability through research-backed tools found to be most effective and efficient in helping you overcome your challenges.

— Lisa Andresen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Francisco, CA
 

I have trained and used CBT since I started practicing clinical social work. I enjoy using CBT to challenge negative thought processes that get in the way of our goals and the life we want to live.

— Georgia Harrison, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have extensive education, training, and experience with cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions. I have created curriculums used to educate others about CBT.

— LISA TAYLOR, Associate Clinical Social Worker in ,
 

I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice. In your first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and then decide the most appropriate ways to help you make progress. With CBT, we'll look at how your thoughts affect your emotions and experience. During treatment, I'll help you learn how to push back against those thoughts to change your feelings for the better.

— John Nweke, Licensed Professional Counselor

CBT has been found useful for a multitude of mental health symptoms. I believe that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all influence our well-being and quality of life. When we can identify problematic thoughts, which impact how we feel, which then influence our actions and behaviors, we can begin to change how we act. I like to tackle large goals in small parts, which CBT is great for. Discerning the differences among thoughts and feelings are integral in having a healthier outlook on life.

— Kellyn Swanson, Licensed Professional Counselor
 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the understanding that our emotional experiences are directly related to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – and therefore, it is possible to change our emotional experiences by examining and altering our thoughts and behaviors.

— Alexa Golding, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful tool I use to help clients understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. In sessions, we'll explore patterns of thinking that may be holding you back and work on strategies to challenge and change them. CBT isn’t just about solving current problems, it’s about equipping you with skills to better handle future ones too. This approach is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I'm here to guide you through it.

— Kendyl Davis, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
 

You are ready to actually take the steps for change so practicing coping skills, behavioral activation, challenging negative thinking patterns, actually doing the work to instill change.

— ASHLEY DE VERTEUIL, Clinical Social Worker

I am not a cognitive behavioral therapist, but I do generously incorporate lessons from cognitive science into my sessions. I challenge my clients to recognize ways in which they are contributing to their own suffering by engaging in self-defeating thoughts. CBT helps my clients recognize areas of their life they have the power and control to change, which most often include the way they think about and react to a situation. CBT helps my clients gain perspective and a sense of mastery.

— Mary Mills, Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

Depending on the issue or disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an oft-preferred therapeutic modality because it can be very effective, not to mention more and more research has been pointing to it as an increasingly corroborated correlative of the social science of psychology and the natural sciences of biology and chemistry, particularly neurology. It's not without its limitations, however, and there's no such thing as a 'one-intervention-fits-all.'

— Edward Yaeger, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY