Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is technically a kind of talk therapy. Someone can use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat an addiction or a mental illness. By using the right CBT techniques, individuals can improve their mental health.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
Counselors use CBT techniques during a therapy session. This therapy can be a helpful tool for mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or an eating disorder. It can also be useful in treating addiction.
People use CBT for more than just mental health disorders and addictions. This kind of therapy is also useful in treating emotional challenges. It helps individuals identify specific problems and cope with challenges in their lives. Individuals often use this treatment to manage and prevent the symptoms of mental illness.
This treatment also helps to teach people techniques for handling stressful situations in their day-to-day life. People learn ways to cope with medical illnesses, grief, or the loss of a loved one. Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can even help people resolve relationship disputes and overcome emotional trauma. Each rehab is different, but there are a few common treatments that clients can look for like a behavioral therapy program.
What Are the Different CBT Techniques?
During CBT, individuals work to identify troubling conditions and situations. This could be something like a divorce, anger, mental health disorder or a medical ailment. Then, the individual must become aware of the emotions, thoughts, and beliefs surrounding these issues. The individual may observe their self-talk and their beliefs about the situation.
As the client undergoes CBT, they will work to identify inaccurate thought patterns and negative attitudes. Negative thinking often becomes a pattern, so the individual’s goal is to spot this pattern of thinking or behaving. The therapist may also ask clients to look at their behavioral, physical, or emotional responses.
Once someone knows which thoughts are inaccurate or negative, they can work to change them. The therapist will help clients see if long-standing beliefs are actually factual. Clients replace negative behaviors and thoughts with positive ones until they become a habit.
Learning About the Right Therapy Options
Whether someone wants CBT techniques or psychotherapy, there are many options available during treatment. During the initial portion of rehab, an addiction specialist will help clients determine which therapies will work best for their needs. Once the client begins rehab, they will take part in individual, group, and family therapy options. Through the right treatment, clients can begin taking back their lives.
Individuals can enjoy options such as:
- Individual and group therapy
- Dual diagnosis care
- Gender-specific programming
- Gardening and eco-therapy
- Hybrid programs with adventure therapy and clinical care
- Trauma-informed teams
While it might not be easy to overcome an addiction, CBT techniques and other options can make the process easier. Through treatment at Red Oak Recovery®, clients can take the first step in their personal sobriety journey. Get started on your journey and call us at 866.457.7590 to talk to an addiction specialist today.
