Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), also known as CBT, is a type of behavioral therapy that has proven to be highly effective for a wide range of ailments including anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders and even severe mental illness. The sufferer undergoes several sessions with a qualified therapist who helps them analyze their thoughts and emotions, as well as the physical symptoms they are experiencing. This helps them to determine the root cause of their problem. After this analysis, they are helped to make effective changes in their thinking processes and behavior. Trauma Recovery Counseling in Tampa, Florida offers CBT with professional supervision.
Many people find CBT very beneficial in the treatment of their specific mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or phobias. However, anyone can benefit from this type of therapy regardless of their age or gender. CBT is sometimes used in conjunction with other forms of mental health treatment in order to increase the chances of success. In fact, it is often recommended that people suffering from some of these disorders take part in a CT therapy session in order to maximize the benefits they will receive.
One of the most common benefits of performing CBT for your mental disorders is the reduction of negative thoughts. For example, when you suffer from depression, you tend to have negative thoughts regarding your appearance, relationships, career, etc. These negative thoughts create a barrier between you and your life. Through the course of several sessions, however, you can begin to gradually overcome these negative thoughts and focus on more positive and healthy thoughts, which give you a much better sense of self.
In addition to the reduction of negative thoughts, participants in CBT also usually learn to recognize their negative symptoms. This is especially important for those who suffer from depression. If you regularly exhibit symptoms such as sleep problems, weight gain, headaches, social withdrawal, agitation, anxiety, and even panic attacks, then you know how limiting these types of symptoms can be. However, when you learn to identify these symptoms, you can begin to take steps toward combating them. Through the course of several months of performing cognitive behavioral therapy, you will learn how to identify your symptoms so that you can make appropriate changes to your life.
People with post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, may also benefit from this type of therapy. Through the course of several months of CBT, you will learn how to block out the emotional triggers that cause your panic attacks and other symptoms. Some people are able to completely overcome their PTSD through this type of mental health treatment, while others may require more extensive and intense treatments including some medications.
In addition to helping patients learn how to block out negative thought patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy can also help them change their relationship with food, alcohol, and drugs. As you may have already guessed, many sufferers of depression and anxiety find themselves relying on substances to numb their feelings. By removing the source of their depression and anxiety, these individuals can then start to enjoy a healthier, happier life. However, there are those who cannot quit their substance addictions, no matter how much CBT and other mental health treatments they undergo. In these cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help these depressed and anxious patients cope with their problems. This medication can help them control their mood swings and combat the addictive qualities of their thought patterns and behaviors, which may eventually lead them to full recovery from depression and anxiety.