“When you understand why you think and feel the way you do, you have an increased ability to recognize that those ways of reacting to your experiences may no longer be helpful for you.”
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Los Angeles, CA
CBT can create change
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps you change the ways your thoughts and feelings impact your behavior patterns.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
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CBT has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health disorders. It is based on the premise that your thoughts, emotions and behaviors are interconnected – if we change one or two of them, all three are impacted.
When you start CBT work, I will help you to notice and distinguish the moment-to-moment thoughts about yourself and the world around you – essentially, your inner dialogue. This internal dialogue frequently becomes critical of yourself and others.
When you learn to notice the thoughts you are having, you can then evaluate the accuracy of these thoughts based on realistic evidence versus assumptions. Many times, these assumptions are based on past experiences and may be irrational or inaccurate.
I will help you understand the ways in which your previous life experiences have created core beliefs that contribute to your present-day perspective. Frequently, this perspective is rooted in the past and is unhelpful in your present life.
CBT can be a long-term or short-term treatment, depending on your needs. It is usually delivered in a structured format where you and I will work together to identify and challenge your thoughts and beliefs. You will also learn new and healthy ways of coping with stress and solving problems, gradually shedding unhelpful behaviors. CBT is not simply about positive thinking – it is about realistic thinking.
If you are considering CBT for yourself or a loved one, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced and trained in this type of therapy. CBT is not a “one size fits all” approach, I will tailor the therapy to your specific needs and goals.
What Techniques Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Use?
There are a number of different CBT techniques that can be used to help you change your thoughts and behavioral patterns. Some of the most common techniques include:
- Cognitive restructuring: This technique helps you identify and challenge your negative patterns of thinking. For example, if you're feeling anxious about an upcoming event, cognitive restructuring can help you identify the thoughts that are making you anxious, and then challenge and reframe those thoughts.
- Relaxation techniques: This can involve a variety of different techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. Relaxation techniques can help you manage your stress and anxiety levels.
- Exposure therapy: This technique involves gradually exposing yourself to the thing you're afraid of, in a safe and controlled environment. For example, if you're afraid of snakes, exposure therapy may involve slowly and gradually becoming more comfortable with snakes.. Exposure therapy attempts to reframe your relationship with your anxious thoughts and feelings by changing your behavior.
- Behavioral experiments: This technique involves testing out your beliefs to see if they're really true. For example, if you believe that you have to be perfect in order to be loved, you may want to experiment with making mistakes and see if people still love you.
I will work with you to determine which technique or combination of techniques will be most successful in helping you reach your goals.
What does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat?
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that unhelpful thoughts and behaviors can trap us in a vicious cycle. Once you are aware of your distorted thoughts, you can start to challenge and reframe them. For example, if you constantly are thinking “I’m not good enough,” you can begin to question that belief. Maybe you are good enough, you just haven’t been given the opportunity to prove it yet.
CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
- Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders, such as phobias and panic
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Management of chronic pain
- Coping with stress
- Overcoming sleep problems
If you are struggling with a mental health condition, cognitive behavioral therapy may be a good treatment option for you. In time, you will learn to manage your symptoms and the difficult situations that trigger them so you can function better in everyday life.
How I Can Help
If you’re considering CBT, it’s important to find a therapist who is experienced and trained in this type of therapy. CBT is not a quick fix, it takes commitment and hard work to see results. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, CBT can be a powerful tool for change. Contact me today for a free consultation. We’ll talk about your challenges and your goals and how I can help you achieve them.
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Both in-person and telehealth options available.
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Personalized Approach
Multiple modalities to create the best treatment plan tailored to you.