Most patients who are treated with depression respond positively to medication. However, there are a select few of individuals who do not respond to medication alone. There are also people who end up with residual symptoms from medications or who relapse frequently. Fortunately, CBT therapy, coupled with medication can help. Even those who do not take medication can benefit from CBT therapy.
What is CBT?
CBT, also known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of “talk therapy.” It is a cognitive therapy treatment process that helps individuals correct false self-beliefs. These false self-beliefs can lead to depressed moods and negative behaviors. The purpose of this type of therapy is to help individuals replace false self-beliefs with new, more positive self-beliefs. The idea behind CBT is that a single thought can alter a mood, change in behavior, or spark a physical reaction. By replacing negative and false self-beliefs with positive ones, individuals can improve their mood, behaviors, and physically feel better.
How to Make the Most of CBT
In order to maximize each and every session, it’s important to have a solid understanding of why you want to be there. Start by making a list of issues that have been bothering you. These issues can range from family issues, relationship issues, career fears, anger, anxiety, or sleeping issues. Essentially, anything that you feel is bothering you. In your first few sessions don’t be afraid to do most of the talking. This is your time to get everything out so that you and your counselor can know how to move forward with a treatment plan.
How to Know if it’s Working
This is hard to pinpoint and can range dramatically between individuals. The best way to monitor your progress, along with your counselor, is to track your mood and thoughts from the beginning of therapy. This can help you track your progress in real time. Additionally, don’t be shy to ask your therapist our counselor how they feel like you are progressing. Finally, setting a list of goals that you wish to accomplish with the help of CBT can help as well. Reviewing the list of goals can help prove to yourself that you are in fact making progress.
What Type of Therapy is Best for Me?
The type of therapy that is best for you is the type of therapy that works! Only you can know if a therapy treatment is working or not. CBT therapy has been proven successful for many different individuals, though it isn’t for everyone. If you want to learn more about how CBT can work for you or which therapy treatment is right for you, call us today and make an appointment.
