How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help
Treat Depression and Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that people have learned ineffective ways of coping with their environment, and that more effective ways of thinking and acting in the world can decrease depressive and anxiety symptoms while at the same time increase the person’s sense of self-confidence and real competence in coping with their problems.
Depression and anxiety are both characterized by patterns of thinking that are distorted and thinking errors that increase negative feeling states. In those negative feeling states, the distorted thoughts become stronger and a negative cycle of negative thinking « negative feelings becomes established. This cycle becomes a filter through which the person interprets their experience and the world he or she lives in.
CBT is not just “positive thinking”, but is a proven way of reducing patterns of thinking that are self-defeating that lead to negative emotional states and maladaptive behaviors, and replacing them with more realistic patterns of thinking that reduce negative emotions, increase positive emotions and lead more effective actions to improve the quality of one’s life.
Goals of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Ø Alter the individual’s interpretation of themselves and their environment
Ø Recognizing and unlearning unhealthy skills and behaviors
Ø Provide and acquire new skills
Ø Creating and managing a more successful way of life
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