What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Why I use it with clients on a Health Journey.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is psychological modality and form of talk therapy to help clients through a variety of thought patterns.
CBT has several core principles, including:
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
- People suffering from negative thoughts can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
- Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
- Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
- Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
- Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies include; facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them, using role playing and effectively learning to calm one’s mind and and relax one’s body.
How and why is this all important while on a health journey?
There are two main reasons.
One is that becoming aware of thought patterns and beliefs that have held you back in the past is crucial for real change.
Our thoughts lead to feelings. Our feelings and thoughts are what create actions whether positive or negative.
Being able to learn and challenge these ideas creates sustainable changes.
Second, is that a person’s entire life and how we react and respond to the various aspects of our life affects our health journey whether that is work, kids, dating, a partner or spouse or our friends.
Again, becoming aware of the stressors or triggers and being able to walk and talk through them in a rational manner will calm the mind and body and equate to choices when we are not emotionally charged.
Learning about yourself, the ins and outs of your own mind is the most powerful tool we have. In becoming an expert within your own thoughts, a health journey becomes much more effective and enjoyable.
