CBT: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, is a therapy model that combines two
of the best therapy models; Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Therapy.
Cognitive psychology started in the 50's in order to help create computers that mimic human intelligence. Dr. Aaron Beck, one of the early pioneers of Cognitive Psychology started cognitive therapy based on the assumption that people don't feel good due to the way they think. If we can help them identify distortions in the way they think, we can help them feel better.
The Behavioral Therapy originated from Behavioral Psychology, tracing back to Russian Physiologist Pavlov and his famous dogs. He noticed how dogs learned to salivate when someone opened a door right before their feeding time. This became to be known as Pavlovian Conditioning which was later called Classical Conditioning. Other learning theories were later discovered by people like Thorndike and Skinner who discovered Operant Conditioning. Skinner learned that animals and later humans, learned to behave based on the simple principle of Gaining Pleasure, or Avoiding Pain. As the theory evolved and became well understood, Behavioral Therapy later came along assuming also that people don't feel good due to their maladaptive behaviors. If we can help people identify their maladaptive behaviors and modify them, then they will begin to feel better.
CBT has proven to be most effective for Anxiety Disorders, and Depression, among other mental and emotional problems. The theory assumes that by changing someone's distorted cognition (thoughts, beliefs, schemas, values, etc.) and modifying their maladaptive (dysfunctional) behaviors, they will therefore feel better. In other words, the way we think and the way we behave directly impacts how we feel. According to the CBT model, anxiety and depression can also be treated effectively using this model by helping the individual change their distorted thoughts and behaviors which eventually ameliorate anxiety and depression.
How Does CBT Work and Why?
• CBT starts by Psychoeducation. The individual is first and foremost educated about their illness, their symptoms, and what might be causing it. In addition, and based on the therapist's level of experience, education and competence, the education can be expanded to the brain and its functions and how it relates to the body vs. the mind.
• CBT sessions begin after the individual is assessed and evaluated as to the level of cognitive functioning and its impact on the emotional state. This process in the therapy begins by therapist inquiring about the individual's beliefs, values, etc., and challenging their validity and connecting their impact on their emotional state. By the end of the first few sessions, the individual would become a scientist, curious and inquisitive about their cognitive state. They would begin challenging their own cognitive distortions and replacing those by healthy ones that could lead to a better more adaptive state of mind. This process also involves lots of self-help exercises that are evaluated and modified each session.
• CBT also involves something known as Schemas . Dr. Jeff Young, the founder of Schema therapy, identified 18 negative schemas. Once the individual identifies specific schemas, the therapist begins their work by helping the individual identify old coping skills and behaviors and find new ones that could promote better mental health, and better relationships.
• CBT is brief in time. Most of the therapy work done by CBT is brief and limited in time. After all, once the individual becomes an expert on their own problems, and how to challenge them, the therapist's work is finished. Most issues such as anxiety or depression are resolved within 12-18 weeks. If more sessions are required, that can always be negotiated.
• CBT has proven its efficacy in scientific research especially with anxiety disorders and depression. This is something that insurance companies love. Therefore, CBT is not only requested, but is also favored by them.
The Behavioral Therapy originated from Behavioral Psychology, tracing back to Russian Physiologist Pavlov and his famous dogs. He noticed how dogs learned to salivate when someone opened a door right before their feeding time. This became to be known as Pavlovian Conditioning which was later called Classical Conditioning. Other learning theories were later discovered by people like Thorndike and Skinner who discovered Operant Conditioning. Skinner learned that animals and later humans, learned to behave based on the simple principle of Gaining Pleasure, or Avoiding Pain. As the theory evolved and became well understood, Behavioral Therapy later came along assuming also that people don't feel good due to their maladaptive behaviors. If we can help people identify their maladaptive behaviors and modify them, then they will begin to feel better.
CBT has proven to be most effective for Anxiety Disorders, and Depression, among other mental and emotional problems. The theory assumes that by changing someone's distorted cognition (thoughts, beliefs, schemas, values, etc.) and modifying their maladaptive (dysfunctional) behaviors, they will therefore feel better. In other words, the way we think and the way we behave directly impacts how we feel. According to the CBT model, anxiety and depression can also be treated effectively using this model by helping the individual change their distorted thoughts and behaviors which eventually ameliorate anxiety and depression.
How Does CBT Work and Why?
• CBT starts by Psychoeducation. The individual is first and foremost educated about their illness, their symptoms, and what might be causing it. In addition, and based on the therapist's level of experience, education and competence, the education can be expanded to the brain and its functions and how it relates to the body vs. the mind.
• CBT sessions begin after the individual is assessed and evaluated as to the level of cognitive functioning and its impact on the emotional state. This process in the therapy begins by therapist inquiring about the individual's beliefs, values, etc., and challenging their validity and connecting their impact on their emotional state. By the end of the first few sessions, the individual would become a scientist, curious and inquisitive about their cognitive state. They would begin challenging their own cognitive distortions and replacing those by healthy ones that could lead to a better more adaptive state of mind. This process also involves lots of self-help exercises that are evaluated and modified each session.
• CBT also involves something known as Schemas . Dr. Jeff Young, the founder of Schema therapy, identified 18 negative schemas. Once the individual identifies specific schemas, the therapist begins their work by helping the individual identify old coping skills and behaviors and find new ones that could promote better mental health, and better relationships.
• CBT is brief in time. Most of the therapy work done by CBT is brief and limited in time. After all, once the individual becomes an expert on their own problems, and how to challenge them, the therapist's work is finished. Most issues such as anxiety or depression are resolved within 12-18 weeks. If more sessions are required, that can always be negotiated.
• CBT has proven its efficacy in scientific research especially with anxiety disorders and depression. This is something that insurance companies love. Therefore, CBT is not only requested, but is also favored by them.
SAD
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Stress, Anxiety, & Depression CliniC
Mind Over Matter: If you DO Mind, it Will Matter
CBT: COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
West Los Angeles
What is CBT?