Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a brief form of psychotherapy used in the treatment of adults and children with depression. Its focus is on current issues and symptoms versus more traditional forms of therapy which tend to focus on a person's past history. The usual format is weekly therapy sessions coupled with daily practice exercises designed to help the patient apply CBT skills in their home environment.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an action-oriented form of psychosocial therapy that assumes that maladaptive, or faulty, thinking patterns cause maladaptive behavior and "negative" emotions. The treatment focuses on changing an individual's thoughts (cognitive patterns) in order to change his or her behavior and emotional state. Cognitive behavioral approaches work best for feelings of depression that are there regardless of what's happening externally, rather than situational depression that occurs after an event that it is natural to feel depressed about. If we're experiencing events in life that used to bring about feelings of happiness, that have now suddenly turned into depressing feelings, then it can usually be said that those feelings result from our own mental thinking process rather than the situation itself.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) basically has the following characteristics:

1. Based on the cognitive model of responses associated with emotions: CBT is based on changing the thoughts and feelings of people internally rather than depending on external surroundings, like people, events or circumstances. This helps the individual to act and feel better even if the situation doesn't change around him.

2. It is rapid: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered one of the fastest forms of therapies meant for treating psychological disorders. The formal therapy is ended when both the client and the therapist are satisfied with the improvement shown and the client acquires skills to handle similar problems in future.

3. Developing a good therapeutic relation along with focused approach: A positive relationship between the therapist and the client is necessary for proper treatment. Therapist who follow CBT approach focus on equipping their client with self counseling skills and hence the client learns to become independent. This can happen only when the sufferer is comfortable with his/her therapist.

4. The efforts are collaborative: CBT therapists make an effort to know more about the feelings and thoughts of their client. They try to help them to achieve their goals in life. The role of a therapist is to listen, learn and teach at the same time while the role of the client is to frankly express his/her concerns, fears, and to show a will to absorb what he learns from the therapist.

5. CBT is a structured and directive approach towards treatment: A particular agenda is set for every session of CBT. The techniques taught to the client are aligned with their individual goals.

6. CBT theory is based on model of induction: The inductive method is adopted to encourage people to distinguish myths and assumptions from reality and practicalities of life. This helps the individual to accept the real and discard the unreal negative thoughts which pull him down.

7. Homework for clients: The clients are asked to implement the skills and techniques which are taught to them during the therapy sessions. Without practicing them the client cannot overcome his/her problem. Hence, homework becomes an inevitable part of Cognitive behavioral therapy.

CBT therapists can be found in most countries, however because CBT is a learning-based set of techniques there are many books and resources available for you to begin implementing the techniques yourself from home. In my own experience CBT has been highly effective in improving the clarity of my thinking, and the productivity of my behavior, even though I did not use the techniques for depression. It is believed that CBT benefits anyone, with or without mental illness, and ultimately it brings us back down to earth on many levels.

CBT approaches depression from a mental level of thinking and decision-making. It is believed that our thoughts influence our emotions, and our emotions influence our behavior. Therefore, by changing our thoughts, we change our mood and our behavior indirectly. By identifying and changing the mental and emotional responses, behavior patterns have been altered. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been identified as the treatment of choice for depression by many mental health professionals.