Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the heartbeat of what we do at Nobile Psychology. Our experienced therapists use CBT to help clients understand and shift negative patterns of thinking and behavior, which helps mitigate psychological distress.
Backed by Research
CBT is one of the most well researched and effective treatments for a range of mental health difficulties. In conjunction with medication management, CBT is the gold standard of care in addressing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. There is significant research supporting CBT as the most effective treatment for adults struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
CBT follows the principles that psychological stress is caused and perpetuated by unhelpful beliefs and learned problematic behaviors. It is a treatment that focuses on changing one’s beliefs and behaviors as a means to relieve emotional suffering.
Core Components of CBT
Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: CBT helps individuals become aware of negative or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to their emotional distress. By identifying these patterns, individuals can challenge and reframe their thoughts to be more accurate and realistic.
Changing Unhelpful Beliefs: CBT targets underlying beliefs and assumptions that contribute to distressing emotions and behaviors. Through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to replace negative beliefs with more adaptive and balanced ones.
Behavioral Activation: CBT encourages individuals to engage in activities that bring them pleasure and a sense of accomplishment, even when they don't feel motivated. By increasing positive behaviors and reducing avoidance, individuals can improve their mood and motivation.
Exposure Therapy: CBT incorporates exposure techniques to help individuals confront and overcome their fears. By facing feared situations or stimuli, individuals reduce their anxiety. Learning theory teaches us that behaviors change beliefs!
While CBT may explore past experiences to understand current patterns, it is a 'here and now' treatment focused on rewiring the mind and improving one's experience of self, others, and the world.
By addressing current problems and developing practical solutions, individuals can make meaningful changes in their lives.
Overall, CBT provides individuals with practical tools and strategies to change unhelpful thought patterns, manage difficult emotions, and develop healthier behaviors. By addressing the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT helps individuals achieve long-lasting improvements in their mental health and well-being.
What to Expect:
While determining the length of treatment is a collaborative process between the patient and clinician, you can expect to be in therapy for a short-moderate period. Typically, CBT treatments last between 10-20 sessions (3-6 months).
In contrast to process-oriented therapies (which are wonderful treatments as well!), CBT is structured and focused. With guidance, we will identify specific treatment goals and set an agenda each week to work towards change.
CBT emphasizes the work both inside and outside the therapy room. Over time our sessions are thought of as consults, and you will be given out-of-session assignments to practice on your own. Assignments are a sure-fire way to create and sustain long-lasting and meaningful change.
As with any skill, practice is the pathway to progress.
Get in Touch for CBT Today
Feel free to give us a call to discuss whether CBT would be the right fit for you and your needs.