Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Expect from Cognitive Therapy Treatment?

M. West
M. West

If you undergo cognitive therapy treatment, you can expect to spend weekly 45- to 60-minute sessions with your therapist, either individually or in a group setting. The process involves four steps: pinpointing problem areas in your life, developing awareness of your thoughts concerning these problems, recognizing wrong thinking and challenging wrong thinking. Therapy usually consists of 10-20 treatment periods. It might not cause your problem to vanish, but it generally is effective in imparting the ability to deal with the situation in a healthy manner.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of psychotherapy used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia and other psychological illnesses. The treatment can help those suffering from grief or experiencing trauma stemming from violence. It can assist with conflict resolution and communication and can teach ways to deal with negative emotions. Lastly, cognitive therapy treatment is beneficial for certain physical maladies such as pain or insomnia.

The practice of journaling may be incorporated into cognitive behavioral therapy.
The practice of journaling may be incorporated into cognitive behavioral therapy.

The initial treatment period is an assessment where the therapist collects information about the patient. This is done to evaluate your condition and decide on the best means of intervention. You will be encouraged to express how you feel about different things that trouble you. The therapist might encourage you to engage in homework activities and application techniques that enforce the learning process.

Cognitive therapy challenges wrong thinking.
Cognitive therapy challenges wrong thinking.

During the course of cognitive therapy treatment, patients you will be asked to share your feelings about life's difficulties. You will become aware of thought processes that are making the problems worse. The therapy will enable you to analyze whether your thoughts are based on truth or on faulty perceptions. The process can be difficult to master, but healthier thoughts will become more habitual with practice.

The therapy doesn't work for everyone, but you can maximize your chances of success by taking certain measures. Honesty is a key factor. Cognitive therapy treatment will be more likely to work if you freely share your feelings and thoughts. Be faithful to attend each therapy period, and don't expect changes too quickly. Apply diligence in carrying out any homework assignments.

Although this treatment is used to treat differing disorders such as anxiety and depression, the core method is often identical. The main tenets are as follows: recognize negative thoughts, determine whether negative thoughts are based on reality and replace wrong thoughts with accurate thoughts. This process helps patients overcome erroneous beliefs that cause a disorder in mood or behavior.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The practice of journaling may be incorporated into cognitive behavioral therapy.
      By: anyaberkut
      The practice of journaling may be incorporated into cognitive behavioral therapy.
    • Cognitive therapy challenges wrong thinking.
      By: Nikki Zalewski
      Cognitive therapy challenges wrong thinking.