CBT Model Of Change

CBT is one of the few forms of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in hundreds of clinical trials and for many different problems. In contrast to other forms of therapy, CBT is more focused on the present, more time-limited, and more problem-solving oriented.

 

CBT is based on the Cognitive Model: The way we perceive events and situations influences how we feel emotionally, what we experience in our body, and how we behave. For example, one person reading this website might think, “Wow!, this sounds good; it’s just what I’ve always been looking for !” This person experiences a rush of energy in their body, feels joy, and begins Googling CBT. Another person reading this website might think, “Well, this sounds good, but there’s just no way I could ever do it.“ This person experiences tension across their forehead feels sad and discouraged and shuts down their computer. So it is not a situation or event that directly affects what people do, what they experience in their body, and how they feel emotionally, but rather their thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions about that situation or event. When people are in distress, their perspective is often inaccurate and their thoughts may be unrealistic. CBT helps people identify their distressing thoughts and evaluate how realistic their thoughts are. Then they learn to change their distorted thinking. When they think more accurately, they feel better, emotionally and physically, and make better decisions with better outcomes.

 

CBT is designed to provide symptom relief and personality change, prevent future symptomatic episodes, enhance the quality of life, promote effective functioning in work/school and relationships, and increase the likelihood of making healthy and satisfying life choices.