Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or “CBT”?

Many people have heard about CBT or maybe you have even seen a therapist who uses CBT. But what exactly is it? Well, the “C” stands for cognitive or “our thoughts.” Basically, the idea that what and how we think impacts our beliefs and actions. If we can shift these thoughts to healthy beliefs about ourselves and the world, then our actions and behaviors will also change.

Additionally, there are certain skills that your CBT therapist will recommend to help you shift your behavior (the “B” in CBT!). For example, as the client you might have homework. Don’t worry though, it isn’t like you are in school. Homework might look like keeping a thought-record, filling out a worksheet to figure out a thinking pattern, journaling, identifying and tracking self-talk and automatic thoughts, etc. You’ll learn, review, and process these things with your therapist. Through CBT therapy, clients develop new and healthy ways of coping with their mental health.

Who can benefit from CBT?

CBT helps with a wide variety of mental health concerns. CBT is helpful for depression, generalized anxiety, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, social anxiety, relationship and communication issues, and low motivation, etc. CBT is used in therapy for adults, adolescents, families, and couples.

CBT is just one of the therapeutic approaches we use at Pacific Coast Therapy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information about how CBT can help you!