What is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most empirically studied and scientifically proven form of therapy to date. CBT has been shown to increase happiness, overall fulfillment, general wellbeing, life satisfaction, motivation, while decreasing both stress and anxiety. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is based on the premise that we have control over our feelings, and behaviours, which are primarily governed by the types of thoughts we think in our day-to-day lives. Many of us may frequently think negative, unhelpful, and dysfunctional thoughts which limits and hinders us from achieving our goals.
CBT differs slightly from other types of counselling or psychotherapy styles because it is action-based. Typically, your CBT therapist will collaborate with you on engaging in eye-opening exercises during sessions and will ask you to complete homework during the week and in-between sessions.
Although CBT can be challenging, it is also eye-opening, fun, and very beneficial. A great deal of commitment is frequently required but most clients attending CBT see significant, positive changes in their lives.
What Issues does CBT Treat?
CBT is employed to treat a huge range of issues because of its focus on thought and cognition. CBT can be used to achieve healthier and more fulfilling relationships, create more confidence in the workplace, help combat anxiety, depression, and phobias, and help with developing confidence in your romantic life.
What are the Benefits of CBT?
Although CBT can be challenging, it offers clients many psychological, emotional, and health benefits. CBT aims to:
- Help us feel more comfortable in situations that once induced anxiety;
- Handle anxiety-provoking situations with ease and effortlessness;
- Understand the root of our fears and worries;
- Identify people, events, and situations in our lives that have reinforced these anxieties;
- Develop new, functional, and healthy cognitions which will provide insight and skills to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Important Things to Know before starting CBT:
CBT is not a quick fix. A psychotherapist is similar to a personal trainer who advises and encourages their clients - but cannot 'do' the work for you.
CBT delivers the most beneficial results when they are completed in a rigorous, committed, and wholehearted way. Attending weekly sessions are an essential component of CBT. We typically recommend an 8-week, 12-week, or 16-week program to begin your therapeutic journey with CBT after you complete your 15-minute intake session.
Research has demonstrated that one of the most important predictors of obtaining success in therapy and counselling is the relationship between you and your therapist. At Mind + Zest, we take this research to heart. Our counselors will collaborate with you to develop a therapeutic plan that is tailored to your strengths, goals, and desired areas of change. Typically, most clients will have a sense of when their counselling goals have been reached. This sense of success typically emerges when you have overcome significant issues in your life and notice new feelings and changes in your behaviours. You may notice an increase in energy, mood, enthusiasm, motivation, general well-being, and interest, and you will gain the confidence to tackle new challenges on your own.
Successful counselling also depends on sustaining contact and momentum with your counselor. By regularly attending sessions, progression and healing is attained more quickly than when sessions are spread far apart or occur irregularly. Most of our clients find weekly sessions the most productive, while some individuals find bi-weekly or twice-a-week sessions as most effective.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. The Mind + Zest team here to help. Click below and get connected to a therapist as quickly as today!
