Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Holistic Recovery
When caught in the throes of addiction or mental health challenges, it can seem like there’s no way out. Trying to overcome these battles on your own can leave you feeling hopeless.
Fortunately, our holistic and individualized approach to addressing these obstacles through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy empowers you to overcome and realize your full potential.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a structured talk therapy method proven to be an effective treatment for several mental health issues, including substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. Rather than focusing on how one’s emotions influence their thoughts, CBT aims to discover how one’s thoughts determine their emotions and subsequent actions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was introduced in the 1960s by psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Beck. Beck’s research found that patients struggling with depression would have negative thoughts about themselves and their surroundings, which appeared to occur spontaneously. He called them “automatic thoughts,” leading to negative feelings and behaviors.
Using CBT, a therapist can help reveal mindset barriers such as overgeneralizing or overanalyzing, jumping to worst-case scenarios, dwelling on negative outcomes, or defaulting to an “all or nothing” attitude. This allows one to manage stress, avoid undesirable behaviors, and live a more abundant life.
CBT for Substance Use Disorders
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to treat substance use disorders both on its own and in combination with other methods.] According to the NIH, there is an abundance of data supporting the usefulness of CBT in treating alcohol and drug addiction.[1] By following the CBT process of reorienting one’s thoughts to affect their emotions, it’s often possible to eliminate the subsequent negative behaviors such as substance abuse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques
The application of CBT may look slightly different depending on the treatment facility and the individual’s needs and past experiences. However, the process is likely to include the following steps.
CBT Process
Initial Assessment And Diagnosis
Potential clients will meet with a knowledgeable admissions specialist to assess their needs. Past experiences, underlying medical conditions, and co-occurring mental disorders will be considered. From there, a custom treatment plan can be designed.
Attending Sessions
During individual and group sessions, patients will be guided through goal-oriented talk therapy to identify underlying thought patterns that lead to undesirable behaviors. Patients will learn valuable coping skills and be empowered to make safer, healthier choices in the future.
Putting CBT Into Practice
Holistic, lasting change takes time but it grows from a foundation of consistent guidance and implementation. As patients learn and practice their new coping skills in group therapy and in everyday life, they will find it easier to navigate the challenges of their disorder.
How (and Why) CBT Works
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven effective in over 2,000 scientific studies for the treatment of various mental health disorders.[2] At the core of CBT is the cognitive model, which holds that situations affect automatic thoughts, which then produce a reaction in an individual, leading to specific emotions, behaviors, and physiological responses.
The basic principles of CBT include:
- Psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors are rooted in inaccurate thought processes.
- Mental disorders are a result of learned patterns of negative behaviors
- It is possible for people to cultivate healthier coping skills, enabling them to create positive changes in their realities.
CBT is effective because it’s a structured, time-sensitive, and directive approach that focuses on the present rather than the past to better one’s future.[3]
Find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Near Me
Facilities that specialize in addiction treatment
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What’s the Best Way to Find CBT?
To find a treatment center that offers CBT, consult a medical professional, ask for referrals from friends or family, search for a treatment center through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), call a drug addiction helpline, or reach out to a facility that offers disorder-specific CBT treatment.
Detoxification
Many individuals seeking help for addictions need to first go through a detoxification process. This allows space to give your mind and body a break from harmful substances and processes and allows the body to heal through treatment and therapy. While this step is often intimidating since cravings and withdrawal can be intense, it is made far more manageable with proper support.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
In some cases, inpatient rehab isn’t feasible for a number of reasons, or a less intensive approach is the best option for your lasting recovery. Outpatient rehab involves meeting periodically with a therapist in a one-on-one or group setting while living outside the treatment facility.
What We Treat with CBT
Cost of CBT
The cost of CBT is dependent on many health factors and insurance coverage. Costs and payment options will be discussed with your admissions counselor during your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about CBT
How many sessions of CBT for substance abuse?
Treatment plans vary based on the individual, but most CBT programs are delivered in 12-16 sessions typically occurring weekly.
What are the ABC Principles of CBT?
The ABC Principles of CBT stand for antecedents, beliefs, and consequences. Therapists use this model to help clients recognize irrational events and beliefs that may be affecting their behavior.
Additional CBT Therapy Resources
McHugh, R.K., et al. (2010, September). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders. Retrieved from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders – PMC (nih.gov) on 2023, June 16
Beck Institute. (n.d.). Understanding CBT. Retrieved from Beck Institute | Understanding CBT | Beck Institute on 2023, June 16
Fenn, K., et al. (2013, September 6). The key principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. Retrieved from The key principles of cognitive behavioural therapy – Kristina Fenn, Majella Byrne, 2013 (sagepub.com) on 2023, June 16
