Since the early 1920s, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been helping people create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. To put it simply, CBT shows you how to change your cognitions (thoughts and beliefs) and your behaviors to positively impact your mental health.
Working with CBT-trained therapists at ARC, you’ll learn how to transform unhealthy thought patterns into positive thought patterns. You’ll also understand how to change destructive behavior patterns — such as turning to drugs to manage stress — into healthier coping skills, like meditating or exercising to manage stress.
CBT is particularly helpful for people living with addiction and other mental health conditions like chronic anxiety and depression. It works well alongside other therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), holistic therapies and more.
Cognitive behavioral therapy works best when you are an active participant in therapy. During your first CBT session, your therapist will ask you about your goals for treatment. Working collaboratively with your therapist, you will make a plan on how to:
- Address cognitions —becoming more aware of your thoughts and learning new ways to manage troubling thoughts
- Address problem behaviors —learning and practicing skills to help you find new ways to cope in life without substance use or other problem behaviors (sex addiction, compulsive gambling, etc.)
Guided by your trusted therapist, you will see the most dramatic results by practicing your new skills regularly and staying consistent with therapy. As you build a sustainable recovery, CBT will help you see life through a new lens.
CBT is a popular talk therapy used in substance use treatment because of its wide-ranging benefits. Here’s what you’ll be able to do:
- Identify new coping skills that will help you live a more fulfilled life in recovery.
- Find better ways to communicate with others.
- Learn how to cope during stressful periods of time without relying on substances.
- Manage mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression.
- Overcome trauma, shame or feelings of grief.
- Learn how to better manage your emotions.
Change your thoughts and change your experience of this world with CBT, a powerful and highly effective therapy teaching you the coping skills you need to live a fulfilling and sober life.
