Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a short-term, problem - solving - focused form of behavioral treatment that helps autistic folk to see the difference between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, and free them from unhelpful patterns of behavior. Crafted by Dr. Aaron Beck, CBT has become the foundation of almost every practice modality. CBT is grounded in the belief that it is a person’s perception of events - rather than the events themselves - that determines how they will feel and act in response. Check out the Beck Institute, run by Dr. Beck's daughter ... also Dr. Beck an expert in CBT herself.
CBT can assist with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance dependency
- Persistent pain
- Disordered eating
- Sexual issues
- Anger management issues
- Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Most people with clearly defined behavioral and emotional concerns tend to reap the benefits of CBT. If any of the above issues resonate with you, I encourage you to try cognitive behavioral therapy.
With CBT, you’ll be able to adjust the thoughts that directly influence your emotions and behavior. This adjustment process is referred to as cognitive reconstructing, which happens through different CBT techniques. CBT is the foundation for several other helpful techniques including Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
Some CBT techniques are:
- Journalling
- Challenging beliefs
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Social, physical and thinking exercises
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is much more than sitting and talking about whatever comes to mind during a session. CBT sessions are structured to ensure that the therapist and the person in treatment are focused on the different goals of each session, which in turn ensures that each and every session is productive.
If you or someone you know would benefit from the structure of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.