What happens in therapy?
Brief cognitive therapy, also known as brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
It is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that is effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
But what exactly happens in a cognitive therapy session? In this blog post, I will walk you through the basic structure of a brief cognitive therapy session.
Initial Assessment
Before starting cognitive therapy, we will have an initial assessment. I will ask you a series of questions to get an understanding of what brings you to therapy, what your symptoms are, and what your goals are for therapy. I may also ask about your past experiences with therapy and medication, as well as any medical conditions or medications you are currently taking.
Setting Goals
Based on the information gathered in the initial assessment, we will work together to establish goals for your therapy. These goals will be specific, measurable, and time-bound, and will guide the course of your therapy. They may include things like reducing symptoms of anxiety or depression, increasing social support, improving relationships, or developing new coping skills.
Identifying Negative Thought Patterns
Once your therapy goals have been established, I will help you to identify the negative thought patterns that contribute to your symptoms. This may involve examining automatic thoughts, which are the immediate thoughts you have in response to a situation. Automatic thoughts are often negative and can contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Examining Negative Thoughts
Once the negative thought patterns have been identified, we will examine them more closely. Together, we will look at the evidence for and against the negative thoughts, and identify any cognitive distortions that may be contributing to your negative thinking. Cognitive distortions are false assumptions, beliefs, or attitudes that influence the way you perceive yourself, others, and the world. They can reinforce negative thought patterns and contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression.
Challenging Negative Thoughts
After examining negative thoughts and identifying cognitive distortions, we will work on challenging your negative thoughts. This involves looking at the evidence for and against the thoughts, and considering alternative interpretations of the situation. The goal is to develop a more balanced and accurate perspective.
Developing Coping Skills
In addition to examining negative thought patterns and developing more balanced perspectives, we will also review suitable coping skills for you to manage your symptoms. These may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and behavioral activation.
You may also learn new communication skills or problem-solving strategies to improve your relationships and increase your social support.
Reviewing Progress
As you progress through your therapy sessions, we will regularly review your progress towards your therapy goals. Together, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust your goals as necessary.
Brief cognitive therapy is a structured and goal-oriented therapy that can help you change your negative thought patterns and improve your mental health.
Remember, the therapeutic process is collaborative, and you will have an active role in your treatment.
With time, effort, and a willingness to work, you can achieve your therapy goals and live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
