Fighting Chronic Negative Thoughts? Consider This...

Have you ever found yourself lost in negative thoughts that you’re unable to get out of your head? How about a depressed mental state that causes you to think you’re on the verge of a mental breakdown? If yes, then CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be a beneficial aspect of personal development and mental health.

CBT is a general technique of treating mental disorders and illnesses and focuses on guiding you to having positive thoughts that create your positive behaviors down the road. Once you’re able to implement this approach to the way you think and essentially behave, you’re able to lead yourself to a happier, more enjoyable life. One of the most beneficial aspects of CBT is the simple fact you’re not required to go back to the causes of your mental instability, as this can be emotionally painful at times. Instead, you are given a chance to focus on the present while finding solutions to your own problems. Recognizing negative thoughts and dysfunctional thinking helps patients learn how to practice avoidance and perseverance during challenging situations with mental strength and clarity.

Although the purpose of CBT may seem complicated, it’s not. The specialist focuses on finding personalized ways to teach you “how to” instead of telling you what to do.  In contrast to other therapeutic approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy always lasts for about 14 to 16 weeks, which is relatively short. Improving your positive outlook tends to be a lot easier when comparing CBT to the treatment of other mental diseases. The success of your treatment lies mostly in you, how you approach your treatment and your level of commitment.

Some Things to Consider Before Beginning CBT:

Before and during your Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions, it’s important that you’re well-prepared so you and your therapist can work together to achieve the best results possible. When it comes to CBT preparation, there are only 3 major things that you should fix your mind on:

1. Find the right therapist for you, through consulting with your doctor, friends, family members or anyone you know and trust that’s been through the process before. You can also research online, through the phonebook, or use an employee assistance program at your workplace.
2. Take notice of the costs for your therapy sessions and what payment options are available to you. If you use health insurance, we advise that you check to see what percentage your insurance covers.
3. Take a second look at all of your mental health concerns and list them out before going to the first appointment with your therapist. Good preparation helps you not only achieve a starting point, but also make sure that you won’t leave anything untreated or unanswered during your therapy sessions.

If you or your loved one has any additional questions or concerns regarding Cognitive Behavior Therapy, feel free to reach out to our medical department. If you’re looking for a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or even a therapist - let our staff know and we can point you in the right direction. Our physicians and specialists have the ability to visit with patients at our clinics, in their homes, or through their mobile devices. We take pride in placing our patients' values first.