At The Well Woman, one of our main treatment approaches when working with individuals is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). CBT was developed by psychiatrist Aaron Beck, MD in the early 1960’s. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is popular among mental health professionals, as it is evidence-based. Currently, more than 500 outcome studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CBT for a wide range of psychiatric disorders, psychological problems, and medical problems with psychological components (Butler, Chapman, Forman, Beck, 2006; Chambless; Ollendeck, 2001). In a nutshell, the CBT model proposes that dysfunctional thinking, which influences our mood and behavior, is common to all psychological disturbances.
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CBT Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy has successfully treated disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, and anxiety around health to name a few. At The Well Woman, LLC, we specifically treat depressive and anxiety disorders. We also treat trauma and utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a treatment approach for trauma.
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Treatment
During treatment using CBT, the therapist and client will first establish a therapeutic relationship. Research demonstrates that positive alliances between the therapist and patient are correlated with positive treatment outcomes. This is actually true regardless of treatment approach or modality. As with any modality, the initial session will include an assessment of the patient to learn more about their psychological and family history as well as presenting concerns. From there, treatment goals will be developed by the patient with any needed assistance from the therapist. It is important that treatment goals are the patients’ goals.
Throughout the CBT process, the therapist will educate the client about the cognitive model, which hypothesizes that people’s emotions, behaviors, and physiology are influenced by their perception of events. There is a situation or event, that creates an automatic thought, and then produces a behavioral or physiological reaction. It is typically not the situation or event itself that determines how we feel, but rather the narrative we tell ourselves about the event which can send us down a rabbit hole.
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Identifying & Understanding CBT
Identifying and labeling cognitive distortions play a big role in CBT. Cognitive distortions are irrational, and obviously, distorted ways of thinking. Some of the heavy hitters include the following:
-Mindreading: Interpreting the thoughts and beliefs of others without adequate evidence. “He would not go on a date with me. He probably thinks I’m ugly”.
-Disqualifying the Positive: Recognizing only the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive. One might receive many compliments on an evaluation, but focus on the single piece of negative feedback.
-“Should” Statements: The belief that things should be a certain way. “I should always be friendly”.
-All-or-Nothing Thinking: Thinking in absolutes such as “always, “never”, or “every”. “I never do a good job on anything.”
After identifying faulty thinking or cognitive distortions, we can now restructure and replace them with more healthy ways of thinking. While cognitive distortions are frequent and normal, when they are too plentiful or extreme, they can be harmful. While using the cognitive model, core beliefs are identified and challenged as well. For example, a young woman may have been abandoned by her father and when he was present, he never kept his promises. As a result, this woman may have developed a core belief that men are not to be trusted, do not keep their word, and that she is unworthy of a man’s love. This woman will therefore navigate the world according to her core beliefs. The therapist and client will identify core beliefs and process their origins as well as refute the perceived validity of the belief. In turn, the client’s emotions and behaviors are freed from this unhealthy core belief.
The CBT process transforms the lives of individuals. It is amazing to see clients identify their own distorted ways of thinking and quickly correct them without entering into an anxious hamster wheel or into a depressive rabbit hole. If you would like to begin your journey towards rational thinking, positive emotions, and healthy behaviors, give us a call at 404-618-1040 and let one of our skilled clinicians join you on the journey towards mental peace.
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