Mainstream media has painted an image many people are familiar with—a person on a reclined couch staring at the ceiling, talking to a psychologist holding a pen and notebook, and taking note of every detail about the conversation. While it conveys the general idea of what psychotherapy looks like, it does not truly capture the reality and gravity of the situation, much less the significance of it.
To understand how it affects an individual, and perhaps how it can benefit you, understanding the processes involved is crucial. Through its benefits, sifting will paint a clearer picture of how it can improve one’s state, especially during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
As you dive into the world of cognitive therapy, here is a simple guide you can follow. Gathered from experts in the field, it seeks to help you fully grasp just how it works and break any stigmas surrounding the process.
How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy treatment that is solution-oriented, mainly focusing on changing maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT helps people to identify distorted thoughts that give rise to negative emotions and thinking. These thoughts may include focusing on a negative detail, ignoring the bigger picture, overgeneralizing, filtering out positive aspects of life, and seeing things as purely good or bad.
The cognitive-behavioral therapist takes on the role of a guide, helping clients identify and override these cognitions through challenging these maladaptive thoughts. Through this form of therapy, the person can be better equipped to handle these negative thoughts and begin taking steps to improve their mental health.
The benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
1 – It lessens the effects of depression
Although a wide variety of factors come into play when it comes to depression and medication can help a significant number of patients with depression, a lot of them also benefit from CBT. Depression often includes cognitive distortions, and CBT can equip them with more adaptive behaviors to fight against these distorted cognitions.
2 – It decreases somatic symptoms
Your psychological state can affect your body in many ways. Somatic symptoms, such as fatigue, an upset digestive system, and headaches, sometimes arise because of your mental state and not because of a medical condition. People who present these somatic symptoms can also improve with the help of CBT.
3 – It lowers the onset of anxiety
Anxiety manifests itself, much like depression, as it presents itself in different ways. It can manifest as a debilitating fixation on one problem or a constant state of worry and apprehension about a specific topic or event. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help persons with anxiety regardless of how it presents itself. Through CBT, they can learn to address the thinking distortions that give rise to their anxiety.
Looking For Affordable Therapy in Brooklyn?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses a wide variety of conditions, including depression, somatic symptoms, and anxiety. Through the guidance of a professional cognitive behavioral therapist, you can better equip yourself with skills to combat distorted thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, allowing you to improve your mental state and overall well-being fully.
If you require a therapist in Brooklyn or Manhattan, NY, Therapy 24×7 is ready to assist. We offer psychotherapy and life-coaching service both online and in-office, committed to helping you become your best self. If you need coping strategies, stress management guidance, and other forms of support, book an appointment with us today.