Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of short-term therapy that can help people find new ways to behave by changing their way of thinking. The therapy sessions focus on developing different ways to handle life’s stressors, such as stress at work or problems in relationships.
Whether you’re recovering from an addiction, mental health problem or technology addiction in New Jersey, you can expect CBT to be a part of your treatment plan. Numerous studies show that CBT leads to significant improvements in functioning and quality of life. Because of this, it continues to be a key component of treatment.
Let’s learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy and how it can benefit your treatment and recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in New Jersey
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on how thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect our feelings and behaviors. CBT is just as effective, if not more effective, than other forms of therapy and medication. This is why the staff at CTRLCare Behavioral Health recommends CBT for most clients.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the following principles:
- Psychological problems are influenced by faulty ways of thinking
- Psychological problems are influenced by learned patterns of unhelpful behavior
- People suffering from psychological problems can learn healthier ways to cope
The goal of CBT is to change unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns. Some of the strategies your therapist might use are:
- Learn to recognize that your distortions in thinking are causing problems
- Gain a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others
- Use problem-solving skills to cope with stressful situations
- Develop greater confidence in your own skills and abilities
- Face your fears rather than avoiding them
- Create strategies for relaxing the mind and body
Activities Involved in CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy in Princeton NJ is done on an individual and group basis, depending on your needs. Individual sessions give you one-on-one time with a trained therapist to help you work through underlying issues. Group sessions allow you to practice some of your new skills while also receiving feedback from others.
The activities you may practice in CBT are:
- Role-play activities
- Calming activities for the mind and body
- Facing the things you fear
- Completing homework assignments
- Keeping a behavioral diary
- Practicing certain skills
Behavioral Disorders Treated with CBT
The first CBT models were used to treat depression more than 50 years ago. Today, CBT treats a wide range of disorders such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Panic disorder
- Insomnia
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Social anxiety
- Personality disorder
CTRLCare Behavioral Health Offers Behavioral Therapy in New Jersey
As a behavioral health treatment facility in Princeton NJ, CTRLCare Behavioral Health treats a wide range of conditions, including eating disorders, mental health disorders and addictions to technology, gaming or social media. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a major component of our treatment plans. We recognize that our clients must change distorted thinking to help them heal.
In addition to CBT, we also offer other evidence-based therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy and EMDR, as well as alternative therapies like play therapy and sandplay. To learn more about our treatment programs and how we can support your recovery, contact our admissions team today.
