Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular form of talk therapy that helps people recognize and change negative thought patterns that affect their feelings and behaviors. It’s useful for managing problems like anxiety, depression, addiction, and stress.
CBT focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. By learning to think more realistically and positively, people can improve their mood and actions.
Different Types of CBT
CBT includes several approaches, such as:
Cognitive Therapy: Fixes distorted thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Adds emotional control and mindfulness to manage harmful behaviors.
Multimodal Therapy: Looks at behavior, emotions, senses, and more.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Challenges and replaces irrational beliefs.
All these approaches work to improve how you think and feel.
Common CBT Techniques
CBT uses practical tools to help you manage daily challenges:
Spotting Negative Thoughts: Learn to notice the thoughts that bring you down.
Building New Skills: Practice real-life coping tools.
Setting Goals: Learn to set and reach meaningful goals.
Solving Problems: Break down issues into small, manageable steps.
Self-Monitoring: Track behaviors or emotions in a journal to spot patterns.
Other techniques may include role-playing, journaling, relaxation, and visualization.
What Can CBT Help With?
CBT is effective for many mental health issues, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Addiction
Anger
Eating disorders
Panic attacks
Phobias
Personality disorders
Bipolar disorder
It’s also useful for life challenges like:
Chronic illness or pain
Grief
Breakups
Low self-esteem
Insomnia
Relationship problems
Managing stress
What to Know Before Starting CBT
Change takes effort: It’s not instant, but progress is steady.
CBT is structured: It may not suit those wanting to dig deeply into past experiences.
You must participate: You’ll need to reflect, practice skills, and stay open-minded.
How to Start CBT
Scroll down to find your CBT therapists.
Choose in-person or online therapy based on your comfort.
Check if your insurance covers it.
Show up prepared to explore your thoughts and grow.
Why CBT Works
CBT helps people take control of how they think and react, even if they can’t control everything around them. Benefits include:
Better thinking habits
Short-term and effective (often 5–20 sessions)
Cost-effective and accessible (online or in-person)
Helps even without medication
Teaches lifelong coping skills
How Effective Is CBT?
CBT is one of the most well-researched therapies and has proven results. It helps with:
Anxiety and depression (including in kids)
PTSD and OCD
Insomnia and chronic pain
Eating and substance use disorders
Studies consistently show that people improve after CBT, and most say it’s a worthwhile investment in their mental health.
What to Expect
In your first session, you’ll go over your history, symptoms, and goals. The therapist will help you spot negative thinking and teach strategies to improve. Over time, you’ll build skills that help you handle life more positively and confidently.
Our Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Specialists
