The medical field continues to evolve with new techniques to treat a wide variety of disabilities, illnesses and other health issues. Mental health is making its way to the forefront. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used course of treatment for mental illnesses and stress management in a form of psychotherapy. CBT, in conjunction with other treatment options, including but not limited to medication, can be an effective way to overcome different mental illnesses and improve stress management techniques. 

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

So what is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)? Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of therapeutic treatment that encourages and helps individuals learn how to identify destructive and sometimes disturbing thoughts that can influence behaviors and emotions. 

As a form of talk therapy, CBT involves sitting down with your therapist, whether it be a psychologist or psychiatrist, and having an in-depth conversation about the stressor(s) in your life. These concerns could be a mental illness, grief caused by the death of a loved one, relationship conflicts, emotional trauma, or any other stress that has led you to seek therapy. 

Over the course of a few weeks to a few months, you will engage in family therapy services that arm you with resources such as coping mechanisms, stress management tools, and healthy outlets to relieve negative thoughts. 

A key aspect of cognitive-behavioral therapy is recognizing thought distortions – negative thoughts that our minds convince us are true even when they are not – and working through them by replacing them with affirmative thoughts and positive actions. One of the key outcomes of going through CBT is to change certain behavior patterns, whether it’s self-harm due to depression, drinking as a result of substance abuse, or a lack of self-confidence because of sexual abuse. 

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy may not fully alleviate the effects of the stressor or mental illness you’re facing, studies have shown that there is a positive correlation to improved behavior after successfully going through treatment. 

Can I Benefit From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Are you unsure if cognitive behavioral therapy is right for you? As previously mentioned, CBT can be an effective tool for living with and overcoming emotional challenges, whether caused by a major life event or mental health issue. 

Please keep in mind that CBT is most effective when used to address current feelings and emotional hardship, whether they’re stemming from recent or past events. For your cognitive behavioral therapy treatment to be successful, you have to go in with a positive mindset and commit to attending each therapy session. Missing sessions may lead to regression and setting therapy back. 

The best way to find out if cognitive behavioral therapy should be incorporated into your treatment plan is by starting the conversation with your mental health professionals in Delray Beach and having an honest conversation about your mental health. 

Get Mental Health Help Today

Are you ready to take the first step in addressing your mental health? Our team at Marriage and Family Services will be here for you every step of the way. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our certified therapists and to discuss the possibility of including cognitive behavioral therapy in your treatment course.