Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Works

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a scientifically proven treatment modality for symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, sleep conditions, and more.

CBT has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medications for individuals struggling with depression and may be even more effective than medication in relapse prevention. CBT helps people become aware of their negative thought patterns, learn coping skills to combat symptoms and experience life in a more rewarding manner.

It’s not situations themselves that cause us to feel a certain way. Rather, it is our interpretation of situations and events that lead to our emotions. These interpretations are largely based on the thoughts (or cognitions) that occur within a stream of consciousness. Cognitions stem from underlying beliefs that are also known as schemas.

Common Cognitive Distortions:

Look at this list below to see if you notice any of these distortions in your own thought process.

All or nothing thinking (aka black-or-white & polarized thinking): looking at situations using extremes. Everyone must love me or no one does. Overgeneralization: a single event is used to explain all events/over focusing on irrelevant factors. (I made a mistake, therefore I will fail). Selective Abstraction: taking a detail out of context to draw a conclusion while ignoring other context. Credence to unreliable sources: placing too much faith in unreliable information from someone or something that may not be 100% accurate. Discounting the positive/Minimization: a positive event is viewed as a fluke and doesn’t count. Magnification/Catastrophizing: a negative event and its importance are exaggerated. Is it the end of the world? Jumping to conclusions: a thought is justified with little to no evidence to support it. Are you confusing a fact with an opinion/feeling? Rationalization: defending against one’s true feelings and thoughts. (I’m not afraid; I just don’t want to go out). Should, ought, must: Using words that are unrealistic and absolute. Certainties: Thinking something is a certainty when in fact there is only a possibility. Personalization/internalization: A negative event is directly linked to you. (It’s all my fault). Magical Thinking: belief that thoughts or actions will directly influence and produce a specific outcome.