Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- How CBT Works and How it can Help You

Over the years, the field of Psychology and Psychotherapy has grown substantially. Newer and improved therapeutic methods are emerging to help people with their mental health. One of the most prominent forms of psychotherapy is the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people how to recognise and modify harmful or disrupting thought patterns that affect their behaviour and emotions.

CBT behaviour therapy with cognitive therapy by recognising and substituting maladaptive patterns of thought or behaviours with healthier thought patterns.

This form of therapy involves adjusting the automatic adverse thoughts that may lead to the worsening of our psychological issues, anxiety, and so on. These impulsive negative thoughts have a drastic negative impact on the way we feel.

What are the Techniques Employed in CBT?

CBT involves the identification of patterns of thoughts in an individual. The best psychologists in India utilize a myriad of strategies to assist people in overcoming thought patterns that are adverse to their mental health.

Here are some of the primarily used techniques in this form of psychotherapy:

• Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is one of the most used forms of therapy to help with phobias and fears. Your therapist will gradually expose you to events that evoke anxiety, while simultaneously providing support and guidance to cope with those events in that moment.

This is usually done in small increments. Ultimately, the received exposure will make you more confident in yourself and less vulnerable to previously anxiety-provoking events.

• Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques

While working with a qualified therapist like Dr Dipti Yadav, you will learn a set of practical skills that will help you to lower your stress levels and gain a better sense of control over yourself. This is especially beneficial while dealing with social anxieties and triggers.

Some examples of relaxation techniques that are taught and used in CBT are breathing exercises and imagery.

• Cognitive Restructuring

Simply speaking, cognitive restructuring is the substitution of negative thought patterns with more positive ones. Here, the individual is made to look at their negative patterns through talking with the therapist and self-reflection.

Once these faulty thought patterns are recognized, the person learns to reframe or substitute them with more pragmatic and positive patterns of thinking.

• Self-Monitoring or Observation

Self-monitoring is a crucial technique in cognitive behavioural therapy. It entails keeping track of your symptoms and behaviours and even your experiences and discussing them with your psychotherapist over time.

Keeping a tab over yourself will give your therapist the relevant information they need to help with your therapy. For example, people with anxiety can log in their mood from time to time and can also keep a record of events that triggered their heightened emotions and so on.

• Goal Setting

One of the key steps in recovering from mental illnesses such as depression is setting practical goals for recovery.

The best psychologists in India understand the importance of setting SMART goals. It is the acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Creating achievable goals is something that can accelerate the client’s growth and help strengthen their mental health.

Who can Benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

CBT is helpful for various day-to-day problems, like failure to cope with stressful events or dealing with depression and anxiety.

The beauty of this therapy lies in its sheer amounts of uses. CBT sessions can equip people with everyday skills that are necessary for a positive life. In CBT sessions people are taught things such as conflict resolution, assertiveness training, learning to deal with grief and the list goes on.

This form of therapeutic help is also beneficial for a variety of mental health conditions. Some conditions that CBT can help with are:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Phobias
• Eating Disorders
• Schizophrenia

Know the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT is a prominent form of psychotherapy and has been shown to yield great results in patients with mental health problems. Some of the key benefits that CBT has shown are:

• It is one of the most affordable forms of therapy available.
• The mode of therapy is versatile as it is successful in both online and face-to-face settings.
• CBT is the ideal choice of therapy for people who want to avoid using medication.
• People start to see results in a short period.
• CBT helps people to develop positive thought patterns to lead a better life.
• It is also useful for several mental health disorders.

Final Words

Mental health is an essential aspect to lead a richer and more fulfilling life. However, with an outburst of resources available, it can be challenging to choose the treatment plan for yourself. This is why you need to work with an understanding and experienced psychologist. The right professional will help you achieve the goals you want to reach for your mental health.

About the Author

Dr Dipti Yadav is one of the most prominent psychologists in India with a passion to help people achieve their full potential. She believes in closely and empathetically working with her clients to get to the deep root of the cause and help them to improve their mental health through various therapeutic methods.