Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a specialized form of treatment for people with different behavioral and cognitive problems. There are clinics that offer CBT in Westport, CT for individuals who need professional assistance in dealing with their issues. These clinics have certified and licensed therapists who have the expertise required to deal with such highly sensitive problems, so patients are assured of proper care.
But what exactly can a CBT provide to the patient? Here are five benefits of this special therapy:
It can treat various mental health problems
CBT is a versatile psychotherapy technique that can help address different mental health disorders. Among others, CBT can be used to treat the following:
- Depression
- Sleeping/eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar/schizophrenia
- Sexual disorder
- Substance abuse/addiction disorder
It treats mental health issues when medication is not feasible
There are various cases when traditional medicines such as anti-depressants are not advisable to treat a patient. In such a case, cognitive behavioral therapy is a good way to treat a mental health disorder. However, it should be noted that CBT may be applied at the same time that a patient is taking traditional medications. Only in cases that a patient suffering from a mental health illness is deemed not fit for such medication that CBT is advised as an alternative.
It teaches patients to improve their problem-solving skills
CBT is known to help patients improve their problem-solving skills by teaching them how to deal with problems with a clear state of mind. This is because therapists conducting CBT realized that many people find it difficult to respond to a situation properly because they can’t control their emotions. In short, the way they look at problems has a lot to do with how they react to them. By teaching patients to better react to situations, they become better at handling and solving problems on their own.
It helps improve interpersonal communication skills
CBT as a treatment method is known to help patients improve the way they communicate their thoughts and feelings with other people. Patients who are not given CBT intervention might find it difficult each time they try to confide with other people, mainly for fear of rejection and being laughed at or misunderstood. A CBT practitioner can help patients overcome such fears by training them to trust people and become more open about their internal struggles without thinking about rejection if they do talk about them with friends or family.
It can be completed in a short period
In the hands of a skilled CBT practitioner and with the full cooperation of the patient, a CBT program can be completed within 16 sessions on average. For some patients, it may take a few more sessions. What this means is that patients can bounce back from their cognitive-behavioral struggles and live their lives normally as soon as possible.
With these benefits, CBT is truly a great way to help patients with various behavioral and cognitive issues regain their bearings and become productive individuals once more.