Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a system of psychotherapy, developed by Aaron Beck and his colleagues in Pennsylvania, to help people overcome emotional struggles. This system emphasizes changing the ways in which people think in order to improve their moods, such as depression, anxiety and anger. Emotional disturbance is influenced by the cognitive distortions (thinking errors) that people make in coping with their life experiences. These distortions take the form of negative interpretations and predictions of everyday events.
For instance, a young college person preparing for a test might make themselves feel discouraged by thinking “this material is impossible” (negative interpretation) or “I’ll never pass this test” (negative prediction). So basically, we feel the way we think and we choose behaviors based on the possible consequences of those choices. CBT can help us with any of our “Stinking Thinking” to bring us a more fulfilling life.
During therapy, we will determine what your Schemas are and what type of Automatic Negative Thoughts you may be experiencing that may be getting in your way.
The benefits of CBT can be:
- Reduced anxiety
- Stress reduction
- Resolution of depression
- Improved Self esteem
- Improved Sleep hygiene
- Better communication skills
- Improved relationship skills
- Improved sex life
