Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) 

CBT is an evidence-based treatment for many disorders including OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and Depression. Aaron T. Beck developed CBT in the 1960s. In his work, Beck noticed how the presence of automatic thoughts impacted people and was central to depression. Thus, he added the concept of cognitive therapy to behavioral therapy, a treatment focused on changing behavioral change. Since then, CBT has grown substantially. First, much research has been done to demonstrate the efficacy of CBT. There are now third wave behavioral therapies that include mindfulness, too. This includes Mindfulness-Based CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). And of course, as the way we practice therapy changes in light of technological advances, CBT has gone online too.

There are different types of CBT. For instance, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is part of CBT for OCD, BDD and Anxiety. Another example is CBT-E, an evidence-based approach to help people with eating disorders. CBT for depression involves Behavioral Activation.

HOW IT WORKS

PSYCHOEDUCATION

CBT first provides education about how disorders begin and how they are maintained. This arms people with the knowledge to tackle the troubles they’re facing. The therapy also focuses on a person’s relationship to their thoughts.

COGNITIVE THERAPY

Instead of taking every thought that goes through one’s mind at face value, Cognitive Therapy teaches individuals to consider their thoughts through a rational lens. The first step in this process involves noting when your thoughts are making use of a faulty thinking pattern called a “distortion.” For example, if you find you’ve jumped to the worst case scenario, you might be catastrophizing. Given that most of life is not a catastrophe, it makes sense to be suspect of such thoughts. After recognizing that one is wearing warped lenses, they learn to consider the merits of their thought and whether or not they should take it at face value.

Ultimately, this process may not shift how a person feels about a situation at all. That being said, restructuring a thought can help guide people’s actions, even if they still feel scared.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

In CBT, people also learn how to practice changing their behaviors. This behavior change, in turn, impacts thoughts and feelings. While people cannot control their thoughts or feelings, they can change their behaviors. By taking different actions, people develop more meaningful lives. Whether through ERP, Behavioral Activation, or engaging in regular eating in a course of CBT-E, Behavioral work is foundational to change in a CBT model.

INTERESTED IN CBT?

Are you or a loved one looking for help? Therapists at The Center for the Obsessive Mind uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support Individuals with different disorders. You can learn more about the treatments and services she provides here.

LOCATIONS

Lauren is a licensed psychotherapist in

several states. Learn more about where

Lauren sees Clients, below.

Pastel skies and a pristine beach in Northern California, one of the areas where The Center for the Obsessive Mind helps people using CBT.

CALIFORNIA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also offer CBT online throughout California. Our Clients span from San Francisco down to Southern Orange County and San Diego. Whether you’re in Silicon Valley, Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills or Dana Point, the Center’s staff can support you in your recovery.

The red rock spires of Bryce Canyon in Utah, one of the states where The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers counseling.

UTAH

Staff members at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer CBT in the state of Utah. Since we provide teletherapy, we work with people who live in different areas of the Beehive State – from Salt Lake City and its suburbs, like West Jordan, Syracuse, Highland and Riverton, to Park City and St. George.

Clear turquoise waters in the Keys, one of the places where The Center for the Obsessive Mind treats people in Florida.

FLORIDA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also offer CBT online in Florida. We see people from all corners of the Sunshine state. Whether you’re from Naples, Orlando, Miami, or Boca Raton, we can provide specialized counseling remotely in your area.

The placid, clear waters of Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe, one part of Nevada where The Center for the Obsessive Mind practices CBT.

NEVADA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also practice teletherapy in Nevada. So if you’re seeking help in Glenbrook, Incline Village, Reno or Las Vegas, we offer specialized CBT online across the Grand Canyon State.

The Seven Sisters sea cliffs in Sussex, England, one international locale where  The Center for the Obsessive Mind provides counseling.

INTERNATIONAL

In addition to all of the locations previously listed, the staff at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer CBT via teletherapy to a number of countries internationally. You can learn

Cozy couch and computer: all you need for teletherapy and what CBT with The Center for the Obsessive Mind can look like.

ONLINE

Online therapy isn’t right for everyone. An assessment can determine if online therapy is appropriate for your needs. Reach out here to learn more. Check out this article from the American Psychological Association or read this article that our Director, Lauren Rosen, LMFT, contributed to.

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The Center for the Obsessive Mind call 949-991-2600

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Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is intended for informational and education purposes only and is not meant to be a replacement for therapy. If you are interested in treatment, you can email us and we will happily provide you with more information.