Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Whether it is our spontaneous actions or reactions to the stimuli around us, all behaviour has its roots in our thought processes. The way we think and perceive situations reflects on how we behave and project ourselves.
As a result, many psychologists believe that a transformation in behaviour results from a shift in the direction of one’s thoughts. Thus, they help individuals bring about positive changes to their thought patterns, facilitating a consequent change in their actions.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy suggests that an individual’s thoughts and actions are inextricably linked to one another. CBT practitioners state that each of us possesses certain instinctive thoughts or cognitions, which act beyond our control and influence our behaviour.
Negative cognitions lead to destructive behavioural patterns, which characterise major psychological conditions and addictions. Psychologists practising CBT use specific techniques to change these underlying thoughts.
Owing to its comparatively shorter duration and highly focused course, CBT therapy has proven highly effective as a form of addiction treatment. It is also widely used as an intervention for various other conditions, including anxiety, eating disorders, depression, trauma, OCD etc. Studies have revealed the therapy’s long-term effectiveness on young individuals struggling with anxiety disorders.
What are Some Common CBT Techniques?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a vast subdomain, and different CBT practitioners may incorporate different CBT techniques into their programmes. Some of the commonly used CBT techniques include:
- Guided Discovery: In this patient-centred CBT strategy, the therapist understands the individual’s perspectives and assumptions. Then, s/he challenges the person’s beliefs, asking him/her to provide specific evidence to validate them. This process facilitates an awareness of the baseless negative thoughts we possess and paves the way for more rational thinking.
- Experiments with Behaviours: Psychologists may suggest various behavioural experiments to help individuals face their fears. For example, a person with examination anxiety may be asked to articulate precisely what s/he thinks would go wrong. Then, the person takes the exam and reports whether any of the earlier apprehensions was justified. Over time, individuals realise that their anxieties are usually irrational fears in their minds, and rewiring their thoughts helps them overcome the anxiety.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Here, the therapist asks the individual to identify their negative thoughts and then rephrases them into positive statements. Affirmative sentences help individuals consider the brighter side of situations and foster a more positive approach to life.
- Journaling: Penning our thoughts can provide considerable clarity in our minds. Journaling is one of the powerful techniques that CBT practitioners utilise in their sessions to help individuals recognise their thought patterns.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Safe House Wellness Retreat
- The team of professionals at our rehab centre in Delhi – including psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors – is highly qualified in the mental health domain. They also possess considerable knowledge and experience with CBT techniques, utilising them seamlessly in their therapy sessions.
- We incorporate CBT as part of our residential as well as outpatient treatment plans, helping individuals identify and work on their negative thoughts to change their behaviours.
- We offer CBT individually as well as to the patient’s partners and family members, depending on the therapy requirements. Such interactive and comprehensive therapy sessions also aim to shatter negative mindsets in families, helping to resolve conflicts and unfinished business.
Are you or any of your loved ones dealing with addiction or other psychological conditions? We are listening to you! Connect with us today, and let us begin this journey of hope and rehabilitation together.