COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN UTAH

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a short-term form of psychotherapy. The core goal of a CBT behavioral program is to help people develop skills and coping strategies that allow them to live a more positive and healthy life. To do so, individuals must find new ways to behave by addressing their negative thought patterns.

Focusing on the ‘here-and-now” of everyday life, CBT therapy in Utah will allow you to identify, question, and change how your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs relate to behavioral and/or emotional reactions — the type of reactions that create challenges in your life.

CBT is:

• Structured
• Time-limited (typically 10-20 sessions)
• Goal-oriented and problem-focused
• Based on learning new skills and strategies
• Based on the proactive relationship and understanding between a therapist and their client

The core principles associated with CBT are as follows:

• Psychological issues are, in part, due to faulty, negative ways of thinking
• Psychological issues are, in part, due to learned patterns of problematic behavior
• Those suffering from mental health or substance use disorders can learn better ways of coping, resulting in less severe symptoms

In summary, CBT therapy in Utah is an intensive, problem-oriented approach. Although this form of therapy focuses on the here and now, the ultimate goal of CBT therapy in Utah is to provide people with the long-term skills they require to remain healthy for many years to come. As you embark on your road to recovery, you will learn to identify, question, and change the thoughts and beliefs that lead to problematic reactions.

There has been a lot of research conducted on CBT Utah therapy and its overall effectiveness. As stated in this 2018 review, cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy. Although the evidence indicates that CBT therapy in Utah is particularly effective in treating anxiety and depression, it can also be used to treat a wide range of mental health and addiction-related conditions. From eating disorders to PTSD, substance use disorders to schizophrenia, CBT can help treat a long list of disorders.

A 2015 study aimed to determine whether a CBT program reduced the incidence of depressive episodes six years after implementation. Following eight weekly 90-minute sessions, as well as six-monthly continuation sessions, it was found that those assigned to the experimental group had a lower incidence of depression at the 75-month follow-up. Shown to benefit those suffering from anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and many other conditions, CBT is often a critical component of inpatient programs.

CBT has been shown to be effective for people of all ages, ranging from early childhood to the elderly, as well as people from varying backgrounds and income levels. It has also been shown to be effective when used in both individual and group therapy formats. While each individual’s treatment plan will be unique to them, both formats are typically offered in order to enhance recovery.

In summary, CBT is known for its quick, yet long-lasting results. Known to address a wide range of conditions, CBT programs are engaging and centered on the idea that your thoughts and emotions are the driving force behind the way you feel and behave. For best results, CBT should be combined with other beneficial treatment and therapy options, focusing on your unique needs.

To benefit from CBT, you must first seek a licensed CBT therapist.

Although the average number of visits is anywhere between 10 and 20, the length of your treatment plan will depend on the severity and complexity of your symptoms and overall condition. Some individuals significantly improve following four to six sessions, whereas others require more than 20 sessions to experience a true breakthrough.

There are numerous techniques and tools involved in cognitive behavioral therapy. Just some of these methods include:

• Role-playing
• Self-monitoring
• Techniques to calm the body and mind
• One-on-one or group sessions
• Gradual exposure

Unlike some forms of therapy, which focus on your past, CBT addresses your present thoughts and beliefs. In doing so, CBT emphasizes the need to identify, challenge, and change the way you see the world. As you become more aware of the thought patterns that create your reality, you can alter distorted views and negative perceptions.

For example, as you work with a licensed therapist, you will learn to identify distortions in the way you think. As you learn to take a step back and consider situations from different viewpoints, you will be able to react in a more positive manner. In turn, this will help you reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition.