What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

 and How Much Does It Cost?

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term therapy designed to help change your thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT is a type of “talk therapy” that can be done one-on-one with a therapist or in a group setting. CBT is a way to identify and change negative thinking patterns, emotions, and behaviors. These patterns are often referred to as “cognitive distortions.” Cognitive distortions are things like all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, or negative self-talk.

How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by helping you identify and change the negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are contributing to your issues. This is done by bringing those thoughts to the surface and having you challenge them. Once you can identify those negative thoughts and bring them to the surface, you can then restructure them and change them. For example, let’s say someone has social anxiety. That person might think, “I am going to say something stupid and everyone is going to laugh at me.” CBT would help that person identify that thought and then restructure it to something more positive like, “Everyone is here to support me. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be myself.”

What are the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy?

There are many benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy. Some of them include: 

– Greater awareness – Through CBT, you have an increased awareness of your thoughts and feelings. You become more mindful of your current state and how your thoughts and feelings are contributing to your mental health. 

– Changing negative thought patterns – CBT can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that are contributing to your issues. 

– Better coping skills – CBT can help you develop better coping skills for dealing with daily stressors. 

– Reduced anxiety – Studies have shown that CBT can reduce anxiety in people with anxiety disorders.

 – Improved mood – CBT can also help improve mood in people with depression.

How much does cognitive behavioral therapy cost?

The cost of cognitive behavioral therapy can vary based on where you receive it, your insurance coverage, and how much therapy you need. If you decide to see a therapist, the cost will vary based on the therapist’s expertise, location, and how often you meet with them. You can search for mental health professionals in your area through Psychology Today or GoodTherapy. The average cost of therapy is around $80 per session.

Potential risks of cognitive behavioral therapy

There are a few potential risks of cognitive behavioral therapy. The biggest risk is that you don’t complete the therapy and don’t experience the benefits. CBT requires that you do the work and complete the therapy. If you don’t complete the therapy, you won’t receive the benefits. Another risk is that you experience negative side effects from the therapy. If you experience negative side effects, you should talk to your therapist about ways to manage them.

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