As an anxiety therapy, CBT is known as the most commonly used (and the most effective at that) psychological tool for relieving the symptoms of anxiety.
CBT Goals
The hallmark of CBT is in its focus on belief systems, thought processes and thinking patterns. The primary goals are to help people distinguish or identify the thinking patterns, which usually are irrational and unrealistic, that are causing the anxiety disorder or are inhibiting a person’s capability to resolve his problems with anxiety. Once the problematic thinking patterns have been identified, these are replaced with more rational and realistic thoughts, which could then prepare the patient to address the symptoms themselves.
Accomplishing these objectives warrant a supportive environment that resembles that which is used in a classroom setting. There is what psychologists may refer to as ‘homework’ which patients undergoing treatment will have to tackle. Such homework forces patients to analyze the source of his anxiety problems and identify the components that make up the problem. This environment also highlights concepts relevant to the condition or disorder as well as a good dose of information on the therapy, eventually helping the patient to find the path to self-discovery and change.
The Process
The process of treatment begins with identifying cognitive distortions or in plain English, certain types of problematic thoughts. These distortions in cognition or thinking are systematic systems by which a person twists or distorts information in such a way that it contributes to feeling of anxiety. Theoretically, if these distortions are identified, these can be replaced with more realistic, healthier thinking patterns, thereby reducing anxiety. All in all, CBT teaches a person to change the way he constructs or processes his thoughts in order to correct his anxious behaviors.
Uses of CBT
CBT is useful in any form of anxiety disorder – post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and panic attack, generalized anxiety disorder, most forms of phobia, if not all, forms of depression, bulimia, stress and psychosis. CBT also comes in handy when treating pain, problems with self-esteem, anger issues and fatigue.
How It Works
CBT works by making sense of the anxiety problems that are overwhelming you. This, it accomplishes, by breaking anxiety problems into its smaller components while encouraging the patient to see such components in a more realistic light. The process works like this – determining the problem by identifying the minute things that comprise it namely thoughts, emotions, actions and physical feelings or sensations.
Moreover, CBT works by identifying the schemas of an anxious behavior. Schema, in Psychology talk, is a network of information that determines how people think and interpret his world. This is, basically, at the core of an individual’s personal belief system. The therapy’s main concern is to identify the schemas that are relevant to the disorder. If this treatment is to be used for you, it is good to know that only long-term treatment could correctly identify and resolve any issue with thinking patterns that are related to anxiety.
Results Achieved By Using CBT
CBT is without a doubt very effective when used as an anxiety therapy. This, however, is not a quick fix and it doesn’t promise long-term freedom from negative thinking patterns. It isn’t also recommended for everyone as everybody responds differently to its approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is without a doubt a very effective anxiety therapy. To know more about this therapy and other effective therapies for anxiety problems and disorders, consult your doctor. But first, check out my website for more information.
