Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adolescents
Cognitive behavioral therapy in Dedham, MA, is structured and goal-oriented. It’s a form of talk therapy that is useful for helping adolescents manage mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It’s also useful for dealing with emotional issues like grief or stress. CBT is also a way of managing such health conditions as insomnia and chronic pain.
In the course of CBT, the therapist or other mental health professional assists the client in taking a close look at thoughts and emotions to build understanding of how they affect their actions. CBT helps people unlearn negative behaviors and thought patterns while learning to use healthier thinking habits and patterns
Generally, cognitive behavioral therapy occurs over a specified number of sessions. The therapist will use a question-and-answer format to help the individual achieve a different perspective. The result is a better response to pain, stress, and difficult situations.
CBT can be a stand-alone therapy, or it can be combined with other therapies or with medication. Treatments can be customized based on the problems the individual is facing.
Principles of CBT
Like other therapeutic methods, CBT is based on multiple principles. Some of the principles of CBT are the following:
- Psychological problems have a basis for faulty thinking patterns.
- Psychological issues have a basis for learned, unhelpful behaviors.
- Adolescents with psychological problems can learn more effective coping methods that will relieve their symptoms and help them lead more effective lives.
CBT Steps for Teens & Adolescents
Effective cognitive behavioral therapy usually includes the following steps:
- Identifying the situations or conditions causing trouble in an individual’s life. Some issues that cause trouble may include divorce, grief, anger, medical conditions, or symptoms indicating a mental health disorder. At this stage, the client and the therapist will determine what goals should be the focus of treatment.
- Becoming aware of the thoughts, beliefs, and emotions affected by these problems. After determining where to focus, the therapist will likely have the client share their thoughts about the problems. Often, this includes self-talk about the issue and the person’s beliefs about themselves. At this stage, it may be suggested that the individual begin journaling thoughts.
- Identifying inaccurate or negative thinking patterns. Recognizing patterns of thinking and behavior isa critical component of CBT. To assist in recognizing these patterns, the therapist may ask the client to pay attention to their responses in various situations.
- Reshaping negative or inaccurate thought processes. Therapists often encourage clients to evaluate their views of their situation in light of whether they base their perception on facts or inaccuracies. This process is often difficult because it has individuals reevaluate long term ways of thinking about themselves and their lives.
Wrapping Up
Cognitive behavior therapy uses a limited number of sessions to assist individuals in Dedham, MA, to rethink howthey think and react to situations. It can be used as a therapy on its own, or it can be used in conjunction with other treatments or medication.