How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Work?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal oriented, evidenced-based practice that looks at the intersections of thoughts, emotions and behaviors. CBT is based on the core principle that psychological distress is caused when cognitive distortions (unhelpful ways of thinking) and learned unhealthy (behavioral) coping patterns are active.

How does CBT Work?

Identifying awareness to your inner narrative (thoughts + emotions)

You will be asked a series of questions to examine your thought patterns and how they impact your actions and emotions—you will uncover themes in your thinking and the emotions it triggers.

Identify and reframe distorted thinking

Your therapist will help you find ways to reframe your distorted thoughts into more balanced thoughts. The goal is for them to be more rooted in the present.

Identify new emotions

After reframing your automatic thoughts, check your emotions and see if they start to shift. Thoughts have an impact on our self view and emotional state—balanced thoughts can lead to more balanced emotions.

Identifying your core fear

Your core fear is a single thought that triggers negative and intrusive thoughts. Your thought patterns exist as a means for protection so you can subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) make sure your core fear is in checked and does not come true.

Change behaviors that keeps you feeling stuck

Once awareness of your core fear and distorted thinking has been uncover, tools will be introduced for you to take actionable steps towards your anxieties, some of which you may have been avoiding.

CBT can help folks struggling with:

• Stress and anxiety

• Depression

• Intrusive thoughts

• Relationship issues

• Avoidance coping

• Phobias

How can CBT help you?

CBT can be helpful for those that are new to therapy, especially those who would like to build more awareness into their inner world and current functioning. CBT is especially beneficial in confronting difficult narrative and avoidant behaviors to ultimately take action steps towards change.

CBT can be effective when combined with body-centered modalities

For those that have been in therapy in the past and/or have a history of childhood trauma, CBT can be a helpful therapy approach to cope with stressors in the present. By building one’s awareness and capacity, holistic therapy practices such as Somatic Experiencing (SE) can also be introduced to address the physiological (body based) symptoms of the the anxieties and triggers as well, allowing you to move deeper into your consciousness and nervous system.

I invite you to learn more about my style and to contact me for a free consultation to see how I can support you in your process forward.