What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment that
focuses on the important role of thinking and how that influences
our feelings and behaviors. CBT is based on the idea that our
thoughts impact our feelings and behaviors, not external things like people, situations, and events. The great part about CBT is that if we can learn to change the way we think, we can feel and act better even if the situation around us does not change.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a brief approach to counseling. This is because of its highly-instructive nature (you will be learning a lot about your thoughts, emotions and behaviors) and its use of take-home practice. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy believes that individuals can change because they learn how to think differently and act on that new way of thinking. It’s important to know that CBT does not tell people how they should feel. However, most people come to therapy because they do not want to feel how they have been feeling. CBT’s approach is to help you shift your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and help you live your life the way you want to.
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The Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy approach is very collaborative. Meaning that you will work closely with me to identify your goals and I will work with you to help you achieve them. My role will be to listen, teach, and encourage you. While your role will be to express concerns, learn, and implement that learning. You can expect specific techniques and concepts to be taught each session with a focus on your goals. Treatment will be all about teaching you how to reclaim your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy leads to long-term results because when people understand how and why they are doing well, they know exactly what to do to keep it up.
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- Jessica Aron, Psy.D.