What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy. It is an evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health conditions.

Cognitive behavioral therapists may use this approach to treat:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia

CBT treatment can help people set and reach new goals related to their thoughts and behaviors.

This therapeutic approach focuses on helping people recognize harmful or destructive thoughts. Then, people can learn new coping skills to reduce unhealthy behaviors.

Clients work one-on-one with a therapist during therapy sessions. Therapists may also lead group therapy sessions that use this type of therapeutic intervention.

What are the Goals of CBT?

Therapists work directly with their clients to identify each person’s unique needs. However, CBT has some common goals. These include:

  • Helping people have more awareness of their destructive thoughts
  • Helping people understand the connection between their thoughts and behaviors
  • Examining your own motivations
  • Thinking about what motivates other people
  • Developing and using realistic problem-solving methods
  • Increasing self-confidence
  • Increasing people’s ability to manage stress and challenges

During talk therapy sessions, people will learn how to calm their bodies and minds. They learn to examine their fears instead of ignoring or avoiding them.

Learning CBT skills can help people feel more in control over their responses. Instead of allowing their emotions to guide their responses, they develop the ability to control their reactions.

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing future behaviors instead of thinking about the past. It is a goal-oriented type of therapy.

The core principles of cognitive behavioral therapy are:

  • Inaccurate thinking can contribute to mental health disorders
  • Learned patterns of negative behavior can contribute to mental health conditions
  • Better coping skills can help people with mental health disorders make positive changes

During CBT sessions, you will work with a trained therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on helping people to gain more control over their behaviors.

Using this form of therapy, people learn to reduce stress and use healthy coping skills. These skills can prevent them from reacting to their emotions alone.

Using CBT for Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction are complex conditions. They affect your body, mind, relationships, and other critical aspects of who you are. People with drug and alcohol abuse need holistic treatment and long-term support to fully recover.

During an addiction treatment program, you will follow a treatment plan tailored to meet your unique needs. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Medical and mental health treatment
  • Medications
  • Behavioral therapies, including CBT
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Aftercare planning

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for short-term use. Many addiction treatment plans include CBT because it can help people make significant changes in a short period.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people make practical changes that can support long-term sobriety, such as:

  • Finding social support in the community
  • Avoiding triggers
  • Reducing stress
  • Learning about addiction and recovery
  • Improving communication
  • Regular exercise

These and other behavioral changes can increase your chances of staying sober during and after rehab.

Do I Need Addiction Treatment?

Recognizing an addiction is the first step toward getting the help you need. Addiction can change the way you think, feel, and behave. Here are some of the most common signs of addiction:

  • You need to use more of a substance to get the effects you want
  • You have cravings for drugs or alcohol
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using drugs or alcohol
  • You spend a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using a substance
  • You have legal, medical, or social trouble related to your substance use
  • You neglect your hobbies, relationships, or responsibilities because of your substance use
  • You take risks while using drugs or alcohol, like driving under the influence or having risky sex
  • You want to stop using drugs or alcohol but find that it is impossible

Addiction treatment that includes cognitive behavioral therapy can help you reach your goals. Don’t wait for the help you need or the care you deserve.

Find Help for Substance Abuse & Mental Health at Our Exclusive Los Angeles Treatment Center

Invigorate Behavioral Health is a licensed substance abuse and mental health treatment provider in Los Angeles, California. Combining our personal experiences with years of experience spent helping others beat addiction, we understand the challenges people with addiction face, and we approach every client with compassion and understanding.

We are committed to delivering the personalized care you deserve. Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addiction, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, you can trust that you’ll receive personalized attention and support every step of the way.

Contact the team at Invigorate Behavioral Health now to explore your treatment options. You may also schedule an intake assessment.

Our Admissions Coordinators are Available 24/7

Start your journey toward healing today by speaking with one of our dedicated admissions coordinators. We’re eager to help you begin your recovery.

Call (323) 900-5041

Leave Your Details

Let us know how to get back to you.

    Get confidential help 24/7.

    Call us today to discuss your treatment options. All calls are risk-free and 100% confidential.

    Call (323) 900-5041