Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective and versatile therapeutic approach. But just what types of mental health conditions can it help with? While this is not a comprehensive list, here are five conditions that can be effectively treated with CBT:
Depression
CBT has a remarkable track record for treating depression. CBT targets negative thought patterns and helps individuals reframe their perspectives. It helps to alleviate “cognitive distortions” that contribute to depressive feelings. And the behavioral activation component of CBT encourages individuals to engage in positive activities, which work to foster a sense of accomplishment and pleasure.
Anxiety Disorders
CBT has proven efficacy in treating various anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders. CBT therapy focuses on identifying and challenging irrational fears and anxious thoughts. It teaches coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques. Exposure therapy is a common component of CBT that helps individuals confront and overcome anxiety-inducing situations.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A specialized form of CBT known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard in treating OCD. Through ERP, individuals are gradually exposed to their obsessive thoughts but are prevented from their typically accompanying compulsive rituals. CBT can help empower individuals to manage and reduce the impact of OCD in everyday life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
CBT can be tailored to help address the symptoms of PTSD. Cognitive restructuring helps individuals make sense of traumatic experiences. Exposure therapy can help to desensitize distressing memories. Importantly, CBT equips individuals with coping skills to help manage trauma-related symptoms and, ultimately, regain a sense of control.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is a specialized form of CBT that focuses on sleep-related issues. CBT-I works to address poor sleep habits and restructure negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep. CBT-I helps individuals establish healthier sleep patterns via sleep hygiene education, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring.
Evolve Counseling Services is Fort Collins’s most trusted therapy practice when it comes to helping college students deal with depression and anxiety. Give us a call to begin a discussion on how we can help bring out the best in you. Serving students (and adults!) in Fort Collins, Colorado State University, and across Colorado via online therapy sessions.
