WHAT IS CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, is a method of psychotherapy that enables one to deal with negative feelings and behaviors by tackling issues that cause discomfort in daily life.
Let me take you through the process of CBT for anxiety.
On our first session, we would talk about your anxiety in detail. When does it occur? Only in certain situations, like public speaking or meeting new people, or is it more chronic; a steady state of feeling discomfort, fear, tightening in your stomach, and unease? Do you have physical symtoms, like a racing heart, palpatations, insomnia, aches and pains? When did it start? Are there triggers? Do you have a history in your family? What are your methods to alleviate your symptoms? Does your anxiety interfere with your relationships or work?
I woulld also gather information about your childhood. Knowing your history helps me to learn what may have triggered certain fears or negative beliefs.
I give a lot of weekly homework. Therapy doesn’t end when you walk out the door. I want you to work on your problem every day with the methods you learn in my office. In my book, “The Psychotherapy Workbook,” I have a lot of exercises to help you identify your triggers. Learning how to Self-Soothe is very important.
Helpful physical treatments for anxiety include breathing techniquess, exercise, change in diet, elimination of caffeine and sugar, yoga, and the martial arts. Emotional treatments include learning how to identify negative thinking, replacing thoughts with calming self-talk.
CBT is a very cut-to-the-chase cure for many psychological issues.
Psycho-Logical.
A good website to find a competent licensed pre-screened psychologist is www.psychologytoday.com. Help is a phone call away.
LIFE GOES ON©
Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in West Hartford, Connecticut. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples. You may call her at 860-236-5555 to make an appointment. She is the author of “The Psychotherapy Workbook.” You may email her at kathleen.cairns@mac.com and she will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
www.kathleencairns.com
Life goes on… and every day matters…
