Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The cognitive therapy (CBT) model states that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected and influence one another.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
The cognitive therapy (CBT) model states that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected and influence one another.
We all have these thinking ‘models’ in our minds of how the world works. Our models are a unique result of our history, experiences, beliefs, and assumptions. They can be understood as a sort of personal computer program we use to understand ourselves and the world. They help us to go about our lives without having to think in detail about every single thing that happens to us, and this autopilot can have some advantages. One disadvantage however, is that once our models (the computer programs of our minds) have formed they are reluctant to change, so they will: pay more attention to information that aligns with them, pay less attention to information that contradicts them. The result is that we do not perceive the world as it really is. This can cause pain and suffering, and ultimately can lead up to repeating patterns over and over again without a conscious ability to stop.
Working with Shelley has completely changed my understanding of human nature and relationships. I have noticed a massive change in my anxiety levels since working with her, and I highly recommend her services to anyone looking to make a real change in their wellbeing. 🙂
Examine Your Beliefs And Assumptions
How a person processes and relates to the world affects how they behave and therefore when the thinking changes the behaviour does as well. This is the power of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Model.
One practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) is to examine our beliefs and assumptions, and put them to the test. Many people hold beliefs that are not supported by evidence, and allow these beliefs to dictate how they live their lives. It can be extremely liberating to let go of beliefs and assumptions that have been holding us back.
Cognitive interventions include: identifying distorted beliefs and distorted thinking, testing and modifying beliefs, and developing skills to distance from one’s thoughts.
Where is CBT Used With?
CBT is used with: eating disorders, stress, sleeping difficulties, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Its success in treating these states lay in its ability to change the outcomes by altering their beginnings as thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes.
The emotional level of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is called Schema therapy ( ST) and it focuses on dismantling the dysfunctional core beliefs and stories that we have developed about ourselves in childhood which continue to impact our current relationships and behaviors. The unique beliefs we hold are like the lens of a pair of glasses that we wear through which we make assumptions about ourselves, others and the world around us. This lens can become maladaptive in our lives and can distort our perceptions and experiences with others leading to self-fulfilling prophecies in relationships and in our behavioral patterns.
The Connection Between Thoughts, Feelings, And Behaviors
Cognitive interventions help individuals understand how their conditioning from early childhood is impacting their current relationships and influencing their behaviors. The goal is to help individuals recognize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to create behavioral flexibility.
To Learn More about how to change your thinking to live a full and abundant life you can explore the following resources as a great starting point:
When Panic Attacks, Dr. David Burns
The Feeling Good Handbook, Dr. David Burns
Or call (604) 780-8839