What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Depression, anxiety, anger, eating disorders, substance abuse, relationship problems, stress, fear, poor self-esteem, low confidence.
One form of therapy has shown consistent positive outcomes, yet I never heard of it until studying to become a Nurse Practitioner.
What is one therapy that can truly change your life?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Strong moods are a signal that something is happening in your life.
They are a language that needs to be listened to and decoded.
Based on a technique developed by the famous Aaron T. Beck in the 1950’s, CBT enlists the client’s participation in applying what is learned in therapy to real life to build skills that create awareness of feelings and decode the thoughts and behaviours associated with them.
Through skills application you can learn to resolve your problems and experience greater happiness and life satisfaction.
As with everything in life, the more practice you put in, the more benefit you will get.
“Cognitive” refers to what we think and how we think.
“Cognitive-behavioural therapy” emphasizes understanding thoughts, beliefs and behaviours connected to our moods, physical experiences and events in our lives.
In brief, thoughts, moods, behaviours and physical reactions are intertwined.
Thoughts help to define the moods we experience, influence how we behave and what we chose to do and our physical reactions.
CBT can be self-guided, or guided by a CBT practitioner one-on-one or with groups.
Its principles are the foundation of health and life coaching.
It goes beyond mantras and positive thinking to give you the skills and tools necessary to really change your brain.
If you think you could benefit from CBT or want to learn more about it I recommend checking out: Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky.
If you’re looking for skills and tips to control your stress I recommend downloading my Stressed to Centered program where I incorporate CBT and more to take control of your mood and your life!
