CBT is known as one of the most supported, researched and effective anxiety therapy there is.
CBT Goals
The hallmark of CBT is in its focus on belief systems, thought processes and thinking patterns. 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 have been identified, these are replaced with more rational and realistic thoughts, which could then prepare the patient to address the symptoms themselves.
Accomplishing these objectives warrant a supportive environment that resembles that which is used in a classroom setting. There is what psychologists may refer to as 'homework' which patients undergoing treatment will have to tackle. Such homework forces patients to analyze the source of his anxiety problems and identify the components that make up the problem. This environment also highlights 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 begins 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 systematic way of a person can distort and twist information that comes from his environment to significantly elevate his anxiety and stress level. In theory, if these distortions are identified, these can be replaced with more realistic, healthier thinking patterns, thereby reducing anxiety. So basically, cognitive-behavioral theory teaches a person with anxiety problems to change the way he thinks such that his unhealthy anxious behaviors are resolved.
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 It Works
CBT works primarily by helping patients make sense of the anxiety problems they have. It accomplishes this by breaking each problem into its smaller components and forcing the patient see these in a more realistic sense. The process works like this - identifying 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 defines how people think and interpret his world. This essentially is at the core of a person's belief system. The therapy's concern is to identify the schemas or automatic thoughts that affect levels of anxiety. This treatment requires at least six months of continuous session, only that could provide correct assessment and treatment.
Results Achieved By Using CBT
Without a doubt, CBT is a very effective as an anxiety therapy. This, however, is not a quick fix and it doesn't guarantee long-term freedom from negative thinking patterns. It isn't also fit for everyone as everybody responds differently to its approaches.
CBT Goals
The hallmark of CBT is in its focus on belief systems, thought processes and thinking patterns. 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 have been identified, these are replaced with more rational and realistic thoughts, which could then prepare the patient to address the symptoms themselves.
Accomplishing these objectives warrant a supportive environment that resembles that which is used in a classroom setting. There is what psychologists may refer to as 'homework' which patients undergoing treatment will have to tackle. Such homework forces patients to analyze the source of his anxiety problems and identify the components that make up the problem. This environment also highlights 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 begins 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 systematic way of a person can distort and twist information that comes from his environment to significantly elevate his anxiety and stress level. In theory, if these distortions are identified, these can be replaced with more realistic, healthier thinking patterns, thereby reducing anxiety. So basically, cognitive-behavioral theory teaches a person with anxiety problems to change the way he thinks such that his unhealthy anxious behaviors are resolved.
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 It Works
CBT works primarily by helping patients make sense of the anxiety problems they have. It accomplishes this by breaking each problem into its smaller components and forcing the patient see these in a more realistic sense. The process works like this - identifying 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 defines how people think and interpret his world. This essentially is at the core of a person's belief system. The therapy's concern is to identify the schemas or automatic thoughts that affect levels of anxiety. This treatment requires at least six months of continuous session, only that could provide correct assessment and treatment.
Results Achieved By Using CBT
Without a doubt, CBT is a very effective as an anxiety therapy. This, however, is not a quick fix and it doesn't guarantee long-term freedom from negative thinking patterns. It isn't also fit for everyone as everybody responds differently to its approaches.
About the Author:
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.
