As an anxiety therapy, CBT is known as the most commonly used (and the most effective at that) psychological tool for relieving the symptoms of anxiety.
The Goals of CBT
The hallmark of CBT lies in belief systems, thinking patterns, and thought processes. The primary goals are to help people distinguish or identify the thinking patterns, which usually are irrational and unrealistic, that are causing the anxiety disorder or are inhibiting a person’s capability to resolve his problems with anxiety. Once the problematic thinking patterns are identified, these are replaced with more realistic and rational views, which then prepare the person to tackle and resolve any lingering problems with anxiety.
Accomplishing these goals warrant a supportive environment that resembles that which is used in a classroom setting. There typically is homework that patients will have to accomplish. Such homework forces patients to analyze the source of his anxiety problems and identify the components that make up the problem. This environment also focuses on highlighting concepts relevant to the condition or disorder as well as a good dose of information on the therapy, eventually helping the patient to find the path to self-discovery and change.
The Process
The process of treatment starts with determining the various cognitive distortions that appear to be related with anxious behaviors (cognitive distortions, in plain English, means problematic thoughts. Cognitive distortions are basically a manner by which of a person can distort and twist information that comes from his environment to significantly elevate his anxiety and stress level. Theoretically, identifying and resolving these cognitive distortions can lead to significant reductions in anxiety level. All in all, CBT teaches a person to change the way he constructs or processes his thoughts in order to correct his anxious behaviors.
Uses of CBT
CBT is useful in any form of anxiety disorder – post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and panic attack, generalized anxiety disorder, most forms of phobia, if not all, forms of depression, bulimia, stress and psychosis. CBT also comes in handy when treating pain, problems with self-esteem, anger issues and fatigue.
How CBT Works
CBT works by making sense of the anxiety problems that are overwhelming you. This, it accomplishes, by breaking anxiety problems into its smaller components while encouraging the patient to see such components in a more realistic light. The process works like this – determining the problem by identifying the minute things that comprise it namely thoughts, emotions, actions and physical feelings or sensations.
Moreover, CBT works by identifying the schemas of an anxious behavior. Schema, in Psychology talk, is a network of information that determines how people think and interpret his world. This primarily is at the core of a person’s belief system. CBT’s main concern is to identify schemas relevant to the disorder. It is good to know that only long-term treatment could correctly identify and resolve any issue with thinking patterns that are related to anxiety.
Results Achieved By Using CBT
CBT is without a doubt very effective when used as an anxiety therapy. This, however, is not a quick fix and it doesn’t promise long-term freedom from negative thinking patterns. It isn’t also recommended for everyone as everybody responds differently to its approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is without a doubt a very effective anxiety therapy. To know more about this therapy and other effective therapies for anxiety problems and disorders, consult your doctor. But first, check out my website for more information.
Related posts:
- Anxiety Attack Support Using 2 Types Of Behavioral Healing Treatment
- Cure Panic Attacks With Cognitive Therapy And Breathing Exercises
- Strategies For Anxiety Relief
- Why Psychologists Use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – What Is It And Who Benefits?
- Social Anxiety Treatment And Support Groups
- The need for therapy today
- Anxiety Cures Options – Effective Drugs And Therapies
- Anxiety Facts Not Myths
- Severe Anxiety And Treatments For Anxiety Relief
- What you ought to know about Anxiety disorder treatment
0 Comments.