Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of therapy that has been proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, substance use, and transitional life experiences. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns to generate more positive emotions. Lindsey Capelli, LPC, NCC, SAC is an expert in providing cognitive behavioral therapy for men and women experiencing various issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the theory that our thoughts generate our feelings and emotions. It is believed that our thoughts impact our feelings, which in turn, impact and influence our behaviors. By challenging an irrational or negative thought and replacing it with a less judgmental thought, we can shift our behavior and decrease emotional distress.

During a cognitive behavioral therapy session, you will identify troubling situations in your life and become aware of your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs about these problems. Your therapist will ask you to identify negative or inaccurate thinking about your situation and then will help you reshape these negative thoughts to generate more positive or helpful feelings about your problem. It may take some practice, but soon you will be able to respond to negative events in a more positive way until it becomes a habit.

What are the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy has a wide range of benefits and is sometimes used in conjunction with or in place of psychiatric medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you:

Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations

Cope with grief or loss

Identify ways to manage emotions

Resolve relationship conflicts

Overcome emotional trauma from abuse or violence

Manage symptoms of mental illness

Prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms

Treat a mental illness when medications aren’t a good option

What are some cognitive behavioral therapy techniques?
Your therapist may use different techniques in their cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Some of the most common cognitive behavioral therapy techniques include:

Cognitive restructuring or reframing — reframing negative thought patterns

Guided discovery — learning to see things from a different perspective

Exposure therapy —learning to confront fears and phobias

Journaling and thought records — writing down your thoughts

Activity scheduling and behavior activation — scheduling your activities on a calendar

Behavioral experiments — predicting events that are likely to make you anxious

Relaxation and stress reduction techniques — deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and imagery

Role playing — playing out possible scenarios

If you’re looking for a compassionate therapist skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy, call the Living Well Counseling Center office in Tinton Falls, New Jersey today. You can also send a message on the contact page of our website.