Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a combination of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy that has proven to be an effective treatment for a range of mental health challenges and mood disorders. The overarching goal of CBT is to help people identify and rectify negative or unhelpful thinking. By understanding the thought patterns that might be holding you back from achieving your highest potential, you can meet your goals and take a more active role in your life. 

CBT is rooted in the idea that our thoughts cause us to feel and behave in specific ways, and that external factors have less influence than you might realize. This idea benefits you because it can encourage you to change your attitude for the better, even if the circumstances that surround you are outside your control. 

What Are the Goals of CBT?

CBT can help you learn to do many things, including the following:

• Identify negative thoughts and emotions
• Become more mentally resilient
• Prevent addiction relapse
• Come to terms with anger 
• Cope with grief and loss
• Manage chronic pain
• Overcome trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges
• Get sleep disorders under control
• Resolve relationship difficulties

Advantages of CBT for Retraining Your Brain

If you are looking to overcome mental health issues and change the way you respond to negativity in your life, consider the following.

1. CBT Allows You to Progress Rapidly

Because CBT is so goal-oriented and specific, treatment time tends not to last as long as with some other forms of therapy. While you are involved in regular CBT sessions, you and your therapist will work together to discover the root of your issues and the best way to handle them. Though your counselor will customize your treatment plan to meet your needs, most people in CBT can learn to reshape their thinking within five to 20 sessions.

2. CBT Can Achieve Results Without Drugs

You may be disinclined to take prescription medication to restore your mental health to an appropriate equilibrium. Perhaps you are nervous about the potential for addiction with some of these drugs, or you would prefer to find more natural, holistic remedies. CBT can help you learn how to change your thought patterns without turning to medications. 

3. CBT Teaches You to Manage Stress Better

Between the responsibilities of work and family, life’s hectic pace never seems to slow down for a moment. Some days, merely reading the headlines can cause your stress and anxiety to spike. Using CBT will provide you with a more realistic sense of perspective, and help you learn to respond to stressors without resorting to negativity or anger. 

4. CBT Helps Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem

CBT is even beneficial for people who have not received a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. CBT can help emotionally stable people learn to replace destructive, negative thoughts that lead to low self-esteem with positive affirmations and expectations. Therapy can help pave the way for a healthier approach to managing stress, improving relationships and increasing motivation to try new things. 

See Life in a New Light

At Serene Behavioral Health, CBT is one of the treatment modalities we offer as part of our approach to treating mood disorders and other mental health issues. If you are living with problems such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression or PTSD, we can provide specialized care to help you reclaim your life and become a more balanced person. We are always here to answer your call, so contact us today.