Thursday, May 5, 2016

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Produces Results In Short Time

By Stephen Schmidt


The type of therapy known as cognitive behavioral, or CBT, is a practical form of short term counseling. It focuses on reaching goals by changing patterns of thinking. The beliefs that a person holds as absolute truth are not necessarily factual. These inaccurate beliefs may be preventing the patient from viewing the truth as it really is. This successful method, cognitive behavioral therapy, is practiced in New Jersey and other places.

It is considered one of the shortest psychotherapies. The problem is identified and a way to change it is planned out. The inaccurate beliefs can be changed when the patient sees they are not true. After that, the problem can be overcome.

Immediate recognition of what needs changing is the single factor that makes it short term. A goal is set and achieved in a pre-planned number of sessions. If the patient can release the belief that he will not be successful at anything, he can replace it with a new and positive belief. A new positive belief will free him to achieve success.

A mental health counselor will identify the problem. If it is apprehension about applying and interviewing for a job, the fears and inaccurate beliefs will be approached and dispelled. He will learn new beliefs. He will believe he is indeed capable of doing both and getting the job.

The first appointment identifies the disorder the patient feels is impacting his life. There is no exploring past events. CBT is concerned with how the patient feels currently. Therapy finds the best way to resolve whatever troubles him.

If someone if afraid of dogs, it is probably because they were bitten. If the fear makes it impossible to form a relationship with a dog owner, there is no way he will give up his dog. Although the patient may never be a big fan of dogs, she will be able to allow the relationship to develop even though it means she will have a dog in her life.

The therapy might start with a discussion about dogs and how people love them as if they were children. Looking at photos of the different breeds may be next. Since CBT uses homework as part of the therapeutic process, she may be asked to drive to a dog park. From the safety of her car, she will observe how owners and dogs play and have fun with each other.

The next assignment may be to walk down the street and pass a dog being walked on a leash. She may be advised not to look into the dogs eyes as some dogs feel that as a threat. Finally, she might feel able to visit a friend who owns a small dog and pet it.

Homework assignments are used as an integral part of CBT. The patient will be advised about that during the first appointment. Visiting the local humane society will be one of those assignments. She may learn to empathize with dogs longing to be adopted and go to their forever homes. Being close to them may no longer feel threatening.

By reaching her goal of tolerating dogs she may be ready to accept the one her partner owns. She will be cognizant of the fact that not all dogs bite. One day she might even find herself feeling affection for the dog her partner loves.




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