WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a contemporary, scientifically established method for teaching people how to relieve their psychological distress in order to be truly, fully happy. CBT is recognized by the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Board of Professional Psychology as the premier treatment approach for a large number of psychological disorders. It is short term therapy that is goal oriented, focused on solutions and on teaching individuals how to become their own therapists. The originator of the method, Dr. Albert Ellis (1913-2007), used the slogan “Short Term Therapy, Long Term Results” to symbolize the strength of this approach. It forms the foundation of the treatment approach I use for a wide variety of personal problems.
WHAT DOES COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY TREAT?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy teaches people how to understand, control and modify the interaction between their thoughts, feelings and actions in order to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, procrastination, low self-esteem, compulsions , addictions, interpersonal conflict , issues related to sexuality, and self defeating behaviors. Cognitive therapy is effective in helping people make rapid changes in their quality of life. Currently, Cognitive Behavior Therapy is being studied for its effectiveness in treating serious psychopathology such as schizophrenia. Results so far have been promising. CBT works well as a complement to psychoactive medication treatment for serious chemical disturbances that affect behavior, such as Bipolar Disorder.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In cognitive therapy, you become attuned to your patterns of negative thinking while learning specific techniques for establishing a sense of well being within yourself. Therapy uses a wide variety of methods, including talking, written assignments, role playing, problem solving, visualization, goal setting and feedback in sessions. As a therapist using the cognitive behavioral method, I am actively engaged with you during sessions, asking questions, giving information, pointing out connections between causes and effects in your life, suggesting alternative behaviors for you to try, and giving you objective feedback about your progress.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The usual course of therapy typically runs five to 15 sessions that occur once a week for the first month, then begin to taper off to sessions only once a month or less as you progress in your daily life. The core work of therapy usually takes two to eight months. Many people like to return to therapy once or twice a year after the first year to fine tune or improve their awareness and skills.
