Basics Relating To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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By Thomas Graham


Psychotherapy is an important aspect of treatment for many diseases whether physical or psychiatric. Cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) is one of the most widely practiced forms of psychotherapy in New Jersey. It entails talking to a therapist in a structured manner over several sessions with the aim of gaining an insight regarding a certain illness and formulating solutions on how one can cope with it. The conditions managed using CBT include depression, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.

Sessions are typically held once every week or every two weeks with each lasting thirty minutes to one hour. The total number of sessions required varies depending on the type and severity of the illness as well as the response that is shown by the client. The therapy is based on dividing problems into three major groups: thoughts, emotions and actions. Harmful thoughts and emotions are identified and dropped.

To get the most out of this therapy, one should approach it as a partnership.it has been shown that persons that participate in the sessions actively are more likely to benefit than those who keep to themselves and leave the therapist to do all the talking. All attempts should be made to ensure that both the therapist and the client agree on the major issues relating to the illness and should come up with a treatment plan together.

The results of CBT are not instant. A lot of patience and hard work are required before any meaningful change is seen. A significant number of clients may experience worsening symptoms as they attempt to confront their illness. This should by no means discourage them from sticking to the treatment plan. Sharing these struggles with their psychotherapist may help create solutions on how to deal with them.

CBT may be done at individual or group level. It is an important component of couples and family therapy. When being used for groups the main prerequisite is that the members of the group share the same problems. CBT that is offered to groups tend to be more effective than the individualized approach. This is because the group members can share their experiences and learn coping skills from each other.

Honesty is also central to the success of the treatment. The client, in particular, should be willing to openly share their thoughts, emotions and experiences. In case of any reservations regarding certain events or emotions, the therapist should be notified. The therapist, on their part, is expected to hold all the information that they receive in confidence (except when they are compelled to share it by the law).

In some cases, symptoms may occur even after successful treatment. To deal with this, one needs to continue practicing the skills that they acquired during previous CBT sessions. Re-enrolling for the therapy may be needed if the symptoms are severe. Another option is to introduce other forms of treatment so as to increase the effectiveness of CBT. Such treatments may include pharmacotherapy agents such as antidepressants and other forms of psychotherapy.

Referrals to CBT specialists may come from primary physicians, friends or relatives. In some cases it is a personal decision. Regardless of the case, one must make sure that they identified the right therapist for their case. Ensure that you can afford to pay for the treatment to avoid dropping out along the way.




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