Teaching Techniques: Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Feb 11, 2021

Many who seek and begin counseling do not realize the numerous approaches a counselor may use to help them. These approaches include both insight-oriented and action-oriented techniques. There is no "one size fits all" method when it comes to handling mental health and distress. However, a prevailing action-oriented theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, can be a good place to start.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) allows therapists to teach clients types of cognitive distortions that are oftentimes the root of their problems. For example, a woman may come in struggling with low self-esteem. After talking through her day the therapist may notice that the woman portrays all-or-nothing thinking. This is a detrimental type of thinking where one uses absolutes such as: "I never do anything right." The therapist would then explain this type of thinking as a cognitive distortion and make a plan with the client to combat it. CBT is not a limited technique. It is helpful for those facing a variety of psychological obstacles such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, relationship conflicts, and trauma.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people learn to identify and assess their thought processes while in session, but it does not just stop there. This type of therapy continues to be put into action even as the client goes home. Counselors practicing cognitive behavioral therapy often integrate behavioral strategies that the clients can use on their own. One of these could be scheduling one or two enjoyable, peaceful activities a week. Another one may be keeping a thought diary in which a client can see his or her own perceptions and analyze whether they are helpful or hurtful.

The decision to start therapy may be overwhelming. One could even think, "With so many issues, where would I even start?" Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to break down complex feelings into simple ones, giving people the opportunity to take things one step at a time. Licensed marriage and family therapist Jodi Mitchell offers CBT and can help lead you to empowerment, balance, peace, and overall health and wellness.