Mental illness is very common in the United States. About half of the population will be diagnosed with a mental illness or mental disorder at some point in their lives, and about 20% of the adult population experiences a period of mental illness in any given year. Effective treatment is available for all kinds of mental health issues. Evidence-based treatments like medication and therapy can offer real, lasting recovery from mental illness and help you manage your life while keeping uncomfortable symptoms under control. One of the most effective forms of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapeutic method is commonly used to treat various mental health issues and give people the skills they need to analyze the relationship between their thoughts and their actions.
Mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, can negatively impact your physical, emotional, and social health if left untreated. It is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. If you require competent, compassionate mental health treatment, call the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health today. We offer a variety of therapeutic mental health programs, including a cognitive behavioral therapy program. Call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy based on a few key concepts. These include:
- Problems can be solved by thinking rationally about them
- Therapy is a relationship between the therapist and client
- Collaboration is necessary to solve problems
- The present moment is the most important
- It is important to identify dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior
- Thoughts and behaviors are not set in stone—they can be changed
CBT aims to help the client recognize dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. By learning to identify and change these thoughts and behavior patterns, a person can overcome challenges and manage their emotions more effectively.
How is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helpful?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is beneficial for people with many different mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. One of the benefits of CBT is that it is time-limited and goal-oriented. This means that people can participate in this form of therapy and focus on a specific goal or behavior.
Generally, people learn to identify when their thoughts and behaviors may be dysfunctional and learn to test them against reality. They gain more understanding about why others behave the way they do and get the skills necessary to solve their problems constructively. The skills people learn in CBT help them manage their emotions healthily and feel more confident in day-to-day life.
What Will Happen in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
When you participate in a CBT therapy program, you will meet with your therapist and develop a rapport with them. Together, you and your therapist will talk about your current life, including your strengths, supports, and challenges. You will identify patterns of behaviors and thinking that you would like to change. The therapist will guide you through exercises and practices that will help you test your thoughts against reality and give you skills to change your dysfunctional thinking. These may include things like role-playing exercises, mindfulness practices, and stress relief.
Learn More About CBT at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you or someone you love require mental health care, reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. We offer a variety of therapeutic programs, including:
- A residential treatment center
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- PTSD treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment programs
You do not have to manage your mental health alone. Please call our caring admissions counselors today at 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
