What Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Do?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an important therapy that effectively treats various psychological and emotional health issues. This therapy can be used in all age groups, including children.

The following are the conditions where cognitive behavioral therapy is used:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder
• Phobias
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder
• Substance disorders, such as alcohol use disorders
• Bipolar disorders and schizophrenia (cognitive behavioral therapy is used in combination with medications)

Studies have reported that cognitive behavioral therapy also helps treat non-psychological conditions, such as:

• Insomnia
• Any causes of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia
• Migraine
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Cognitive behavioral therapy also works effectively in solving personal issues, such as:

• Relationship problems
• Divorce
• Work-related issues
• Grief caused by the loss or death of a close family member or friend
• Adjusting to new medical conditions or new changes in life

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment where you can talk comfortably and openly with the mental health provider (a trained professional who helps solve your issues). 

Cognitive behavioral therapy takes almost 12 to 20 weeks, but each individual is different and mental illness is a complex thing. Depending on the issue, the number of sessions may also increase.

You cannot expect the results immediately. You should cooperate with your healthcare provider for better results.

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by:

• Understanding the issues: During your first session, you will discuss your challenges and the symptoms you are bothered about. If diagnosed with mental illness, inform your therapist. This first stage of the therapy helps set goals for the treatment.
• Asking different questions: The therapist may ask you various questions depending on the situation, such as discussing events that occurred in the past, any fears or phobias, troubling thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You may get the answers required, and this helps you fight against the challenges in life.
• Identifying the problems associated with your thoughts and behavior: Through an interactive session, the therapist will better understand the issues that you are going through. The therapist will work on unhealthy emotions, beliefs, and behaviors that cause problems.
• Managing your thoughts and behaviors: Your therapist helps control your unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. They may help change your perspective by helping you adapt to a positive thought process, which may help you overcome future problems.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has very few side effects, but during the sessions, your therapist may explore the previous situations that sometimes make you revisit the past, making you feel emotional, upset, and angry. Sometimes, you may even cry or feel physically drained. However, working with a skilled therapist may reduce the risks.

Cognitive behavioral therapy may improve or worsen the condition, but it increases your power, helps you face and fight the challenge, and makes you feel better.