Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy based on changing maladaptive thoughts. It has been proven to treat several conditions, primarily depression, anxiety, and insomnia. At its core, CBT maintains that all human core beliefs can be classified in one of three categories:

Beliefs about self
Beliefs about others
Beliefs about the future

Problems arise when individuals develop faulty core beliefs in these areas. Individuals then learn patterns of behaving that align with these negative core beliefs.

4 Examples of Cognitive
Distortions Identified in CBT

These negative errors in thinking mentioned above are referred to as cognitive distortions. Over time, disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and more can develop as a result of these cognitive distortions. Below are four examples of cognitive distortions identified in CBT.

Overgeneralizing

Using a single incident to develop a rule. Words like “always” and “never” are often used to describe “lessons learned” from events experienced.

Magnifying Negatives

Overemphasizes negative consequences, making them worse than they really are.

Minimizing Positives

Minimizing positive effects - usually happens while maximizing the negative.

Catastrophizing

Assuming the worst will happen.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Innova Recovery

CBT can be done in a group or individual setting at our trauma treatment center. It often includes worksheets to practice challenging these cognitive distortions and replacing them with more healthy and balanced beliefs. As one is able to identify and label these negative patterns, it becomes easier to replace them with more adaptive beliefs. Thus cognitive therapy has proven effective in treating various mental health conditions.

Innova Recovery helps people learn to identify and change destructive thought patterns that influence behaviors or emotions through a variety of treatment modalities. Learn more about all the treatment options available at our treatment center here.