If you’ve ever searched for ways to manage anxiety or depression—or even just tried to figure out why your brain seems to have a mind of its own—you’ve probably come across something called CBT. Short for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT has become one of the most popular and widely recommended forms of therapy. But what about CBT makes people (and therapists!) talk about it like it’s the best thing since sliced bread?
Let’s look at where CBT came from, why it’s growing in popularity, and why so many people are jumping on board. No psych degree required—just a little curiosity.
How Did CBT Get Started?
So, picture this: It’s the 1950s. A psychiatrist named Dr. Aaron Beck is working hard in his field, doing what scientists do—trying to back up existing theories with research. At the time, most of the ideas floating around about depression were rooted in psychoanalysis. Basically, the theory was that people had all these unconscious conflicts causing their issues. Beck thought he’d find more evidence to support that, but he discovered something totally different instead.
He found that the people he was working with had constant, automatic thoughts running through their heads—many of them negative, unrealistic, or just plain wrong. And these thoughts weren’t coming from deep, dark, hidden places in the unconscious. They were happening out in the open, shaping how people felt, behaved, and even how their bodies respond to stress.
Instead of sticking with the old-school theories, Beck decided to explore this new path. He developed something called the cognitive model, which basically says: it’s not the situation that makes you feel bad—it’s what you think about the situation. These automatic thoughts are often tied to deep beliefs about ourselves, other people, and the world in general. We’ll give you an example.
- If you bomb a test, you might think, “I’m such a failure.” That thought doesn’t just make you feel crappy, but it could lead you to avoid studying altogether next time since “being a failure” isn’t easily corrected with a little extra studying.
Beck’s idea was that if people could catch unhelpful thoughts and challenge them, they could start feeling—and acting—differently.
This simple but powerful idea became the foundation of what we now call Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Why Do So Many Therapists and Clients Love CBT?
Therapy can feel a little mysterious sometimes. You might imagine lying on a couch, digging into childhood memories, watching your therapist write down notes, and waiting years to feel better. CBT isn’t like that.
1. It’s Practical
CBT is all about taking action. It’s not just about talking—it’s about doing. You’ll learn real-life skills you can use as soon as you leave the session. Think of it like a toolbox. You walk in with problems, and walk out with tools to fix them. Things like how to challenge negative thoughts, how to manage anxiety in the moment, or how to break out of unhelpful habits.
People love this hands-on approach because it gives them a sense of control and makes them feel like they have actual answers and actions. Instead of waiting for things to improve, they’re actively working toward change.
2. It’s Evidence-Based
One reason therapists are such big fans of CBT is that it’s backed by science and proof. Tons of research studies have shown that CBT works. Whether it’s for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, or even insomnia, or many other mental concerns, there’s solid proof that CBT can help.
This means therapists are offering something that has been tested and shown to make a difference, and therapists like those at Evolve Counseling in Fort Collins are specialists in CBT. For clients, it means they can feel confident that they’re not wasting their time or money on some random “cure” or quick fix that never does anything.
3. It’s Shorter-Term
CBT doesn’t usually drag on forever. It’s designed to be fairly short-term compared to other types of therapy. Most people see significant improvements in about 12 to 20 sessions—sometimes less. That’s appealing for folks who are juggling school, work, families, or tight budgets. People love knowing they can make progress without committing to years of therapy.
This is really for anyone who’s nervous about starting therapy because of the cost. It can be a huge relief just knowing you can talk to your therapist about it and come up with a plan for how long it might take. Of course, how long it takes to reach your goals in therapy is a little different for everyone. But having a rough idea can make it less overwhelming. Plus, checking in with your therapist along the way helps them figure out what kind of support you need based on where you’re at.
4. It’s Collaborative
One thing that makes CBT different is the relationship between the therapist and the client. You’re not just sitting there while someone nods and takes notes. You’re working together as a team, setting goals, tracking your progress, and making adjustments along the way.
This teamwork approach helps clients feel seen and understood. It’s not about a therapist telling you what’s wrong with you—it’s about figuring things out together and finding solutions that work for you.
Do You Have To Do CBT In Person?
Nope! One of the coolest things about CBT is how flexible it is. Sure, you can do it face-to-face in an office, but you can also do it online, in a group, or through self-help books and apps. That makes it accessible for people who might not be able to attend in person—whether because they live far away, have mobility issues, or just prefer the convenience of virtual sessions.
And here’s the kicker: Studies show that sitting on your own couch during online CBT can be just as effective as in-person therapy sitting on your therapist’s couch. So whether you’re chilling at home or sitting on campus between classes, you’ve got options.
How Long Does CBT Last?
The length of CBT depends on the person and what they’re working on, but as mentioned earlier, it’s usually designed to be short-term. A typical course might last anywhere from 6 to 20 sessions. Some people might continue with booster sessions now and then to stay on track, but one of the great things about CBT is that you leave with lifelong skills.
Even after therapy ends, you’ll still have those tools in your back pocket. You’ll know how to catch yourself when you’re spiraling into negative thinking, and you’ll have strategies for pulling yourself out. That’s a big reason CBT is also about preventing relapse—because life throws curveballs, but CBT helps you keep swinging.
How Do You Get Started With CBT?
If you’re thinking, “Okay, this sounds great… but where do I even start?” we’ve got you.
At Evolve Counseling Services, Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC specialize in CBT for college students and young adults right here in Fort Collins. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety about exams, a parent whose personal and work life has gotten too overwhelming, or battling depression, we’re here to help. Our therapists know what it’s like to juggle school, work, and life, and we tailor our CBT sessions to fit your world.
Don’t worry if you’re not near our office—we offer online sessions for people across Colorado. Whether you’re at CSU, Front Range, or living anywhere in the state, you can get the same supportive, evidence-based care without leaving your couch.
