Question 1

What is an example of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Accepted Answer

Here is an example of cognitive-behavioral therapy: Suppose you were involved in a car accident last year that left you hospitalized for three months. Now you get panic attacks whenever you drive your car and have to wait for your partner to drive to avoid flashbacks.

You share this experience with the therapist, and they start reasoning with you on ways of overcoming the fear. The therapist agrees that fear is a normal reaction to trauma but that you shouldn't let it take control of your life. The therapist quotes statistics showing that accidents are rare in your town to demonstrate that your fear is irrational.

The therapist teaches you how to practice positive thinking when driving. They also remind you that you are a fully qualified driver and that you were not responsible for the accident. You soon learn how to overcome the fear through positive self-talk.

Question 2

What does cognitive behavioral therapy involve?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves helping clients identify distorted thought processes through self-evaluation. The therapist teaches clients how to differentiate faulty thoughts from reality. Patients are taught how to monitor their thought patterns and identify irrational thoughts or beliefs. The process enables clients to change their beliefs and start living positively.

The therapist helps the client modify distorted beliefs and improve their perspectives of themselves, the world, and other people. They train them to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts about themselves and the world. CBT aims at helping the patient develop self-help and coping skills through training that changes their thinking process.

Question 3

What are three of the goals of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Accepted Answer

The three primary goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are:

To promote self-awareness and develop the client's emotional intelligence.
To help clients realize their distorted thought patterns and how they contribute to suffering.
To help clients develop self-control by teaching them techniques of countering negative thought patterns.

Question 4

What's Cognitive-Behavioral Theory?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral theory, the basis for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is premised on the notion that human thought, emotions, and attitudes interact to produce actions and behavior patterns that shape a person's character.

The theory also contends that negative thought patterns cause distress and suffering.

CBT aims to make patients aware of their negative thoughts and attitudes which, result in a distorted outlook towards life. The therapy aims to train patients to develop positive thought patterns and attitudes to reduce psychological distress. The theory asserts that mental health problems result from faulty cognitions.

There are several theoretical approaches to CBT.

The ABC model assumes that there is an activating event that is reinforced by negative thoughts leading to undesirable consequences.

The problem is corrected by reframing the event. The cognitive triad assumes that the individual has a negative self-image, world view, and negative expectations. The problem is overcome by helping the client recognize negative thought patterns. The negative self-schemas approach assumes that patients have negative and pessimistic expectations. This problem is corrected by demonstrating to the client that their views are irrational.

Who can benefit from CBT? Research has demonstrated CBT’s effectiveness in treating:

Anxiety disorders
ADHD
Panic disorders
Depressive disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

One systematic review and analysis looked at the effectiveness of CBT therapy on over 4,000 individuals with anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD.

How do I find cognitive behavioral therapy near me?

If you think CBT may be beneficial for you, check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find a therapist near you who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and/or many other effective therapeutic approaches.

Contact a therapist who specializes in CBT for a free consultation to discuss whether cognitive behavioral therapy may be right for your specific needs.

What is an example of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Related questions about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

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