Compared to other psychotherapies, CBT is more focused on the present problem and finding strategies to solve it. Having said that, it doesn’t deal with anything in the past that could have contributed to the present mental illness of the patient.
Nevertheless, this therapy is greatly practiced in various parts of the globe and almost all rehab treatment centers in the United States. Generally, CBT aims to find a connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behavior in determining the cause of the mental problem.
Alongside this, let’s talk about some of the cognitive and behavioral disorders CBT can treat in the field.
CBT for Panic Disorders
If you are diagnosed with a panic disorder, then you are susceptible to negative thoughts, which drastically lowers your self-confidence. Likewise, when you can no longer control your fear and unhealthy thinking, then you’ll have panic attacks.
Fortunately, your CBT therapist can help you manage the signs of panic disorders. Also, they will guide you in creating a positive coping system to prevent panic attacks.
CBT and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you have PTSD, then you have experienced a tragic event in the past and it constantly haunts you when you see a thing, event, news, or response that you can associate with that horrible experience.
Using CBT, the therapist will help you correct your distorted thoughts about that traumatic experience. You will work with your therapist in creating a positive means to cope with it.
Conversely, another approach can also be used, that is, desensitization. With this technique, you will be periodically exposed to the triggers of that hideous experience, while training yourself not to react negatively to it.
CBT and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
If you’re overly anxious about money, life, and almost all things in life, then you might be suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). There are even times when you tend to worry about things even though things are alright.
To resolve this mental disorder, CBT is the most appropriate choice and you can undergo four steps:
- Training to relax: Your therapist will help you relax your mind and muscle through various breathing exercises and meditation. When your body is relaxed, your mind will be at peace as well.
- Increasing Your Awareness: You’ll also be trained to be more aware of the present things around you. By doing this, you are narrowing your mind on the things you’re currently doing and never bother about the “what ifs” in life.
- Exposure: Your therapist will gradually expose you to your fears in life and teach you how to positively respond to them. As you’re frequently exposed, your tension and anxiety will slowly dose off and be replaced with a positive attitude.
- Analysis and Problem Solving: You will be trained in managing your stress and solving life problems.
CBT and Insomnia
Generally, CBT can treat your difficulty to fall asleep by identifying those beliefs and negative thoughts which stop you from sleeping.
Furthermore, you will undergo a structured CBT program in treating your insomnia. Below are some techniques used for this:
Stimulus control therapy: This means you need to remove any factors that prevent you from sleeping. For instance, you will impose a strict bed and wake-up time, then avoid any naps so you’ll feel tired and quickly fall to sleep.- Avoid sleeping during the day: By doing this restriction, you are making your body tired enough, so you can seamlessly fall asleep.
- Sleep Hygiene: You need to avoid eating or drinking things that can make it difficult for you to fall asleep. For instance, drinking coffee late in the afternoon or not having proper exercise.
- Ensure a proper sleeping area: You can sleep quicker when you have a comfortable and clean mattress, blanket, and pillows. Alongside, avoid placing your gadgets or television near your master bedroom since it can distract you from sleeping.
- Train your mind and body to relax, so it’s easier for you to fall in bed.
- Let go of your anxiety that you cannot fall asleep since it’ll bother you the entire night.
- Biofeedback: Your therapist will take note of your heart rate and breathing pattern since it’ll give a sign of whether you are relaxing or anxious. By giving you feedback on your body, then you’re more conscious of relaxing to induce sleep.
CBT and Social Phobia
In the United States, the incidence of social phobia is around 12% of the general population. If you’re part of the 12% then you have a higher risk of suffering from depression and anxiety disorder.
CBT is one of the proven therapies you can have for treating social anxiety disorder. Here are some techniques used in the process:
- Evaluation: You will work out with your therapist in determining the triggers of your social phobia.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Once you’re done identifying all your triggers, use a systematic approach in evaluating these distorted thoughts.
- Increasing Awareness: You will work out with your therapist in elevating your consciousness for the present things around you.
- Exposure and Gradual Desensitization: You will be exposed to various situational triggers, so you can practice not negatively reacting to them. Alongside, your therapist will help you create a positive coping mechanism.
CBT and Depression
Depression is severe sadness that is caused by different triggers like the death of a loved one, loss of jobs, broken relationships, and more. When you’re depressed, you’ll be filled with lots of negative feelings and thoughts, which can even provoke you to suicide or do unhealthy behaviors.
For you to resolve depression, you can undergo CBT sessions with a trusted therapist. This therapy will help you identify those factors causing your depression, and then rationalize its validity.
Finally, your therapist will help you create positive techniques for coping with these triggers.
CBT for Anger Control
Anger is a strong negative emotion that can temporarily put you in an insanity mood when uncontrolled. Luckily, CBT showed positive results in mitigating anger among hot heads.
Having said that, here is an outline of how CBT can help you manage your anger.
- Your therapist will ask a few questions to find out the root cause of your anger.
- Once all triggers and factors are identified, your therapist will help you choose an exercise that’ll help you control your anger.
- You will undergo one or two sessions per week and it can last for one to four months depending on the severity of the problem.
- Likewise, you’ll have exercises that’ll enhance your healthy communication skills even when you’re mad.
Preparing for CBT?
Talk To A Psychotherapist Today
It’s never easy to suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, or other mental problems. Nevertheless, you can always avail Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in solving these problems, and you can rely on its effectiveness.
Having said that, you need to ensure you are doing it with a licensed psychotherapist that has an experience with CBT. Moreover, ask your health insurance provider if they can finance your therapy and ask for a free estimate from any rehab center.
Being diagnosed with these mental disorders is never the end since you have an array of solutions to recover, and CBT is one of the best methods.