Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. This therapy combines behavioral exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring to help the patient confront avoidance, correct negative automatic thoughts, and return to optimal functioning.

CBT is particularly effective for, but not limited to, the Anxiety Disorder spectrum, such as Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Specific Phobias. The hallmark of CBT is the patient’s role in learning and practicing skills outside the session to maximize the therapeutic benefit of this therapy. In mood disorders, the patient will learn coping skills to master tasks often thought too arduous for the depressed patient. The use of CBT with or without medication management is addressed, and the ultimate decision is made between the patient and the RCBM Professional.

FAQs

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented psychotherapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By changing thoughts, one can change how they feel, such as reducing depression, anxiety, and anger.

It is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more constructive ones, individuals can improve how they feel and respond to challenges. CBT is typically a short-term therapy, lasting anywhere from 6 to 20 sessions, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Extensive research shows that CBT is highly effective for many mental health issues. Its structured approach and focus on skill-building often lead to lasting improvements.

CBT is focused on the present and problem-solving-oriented. CBT will assist you in learning skills to identify distorted thinking/distressing thoughts, modify beliefs, relate to others in different ways, replace thoughts, and change behaviors. In addition, CBT will help you connect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, change your mood/feelings by thinking more realistically, and decrease negative behaviors.

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What conditions can CBT help with?

CBT is one of the most studied treatment interventions, effective with a wide range of disorders. It is commonly used for:

Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, social anxiety)
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Eating disorders
Phobias
Insomnia
Substance abuse

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What happens in a CBT session?

In a CBT session, you will:

Discuss current issues and symptoms.
Identify negative thought patterns.
Learn strategies to change these patterns and behaviors.
Practice new skills in and outside of sessions.

Homework is a key component of CBT. You might track your thoughts, practice techniques, or test new behaviors in real-life situations.

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How do I get started with CBT at RCBM?

If you are a current patient at RCBM, please contact our office at (248) 608-8800. If it has been more than three years since you have had diagnostic screening, we will need to re-administer before treatment. If you are new to RCBM, please complete our new patient registration form to start the admission process.

Individuals must reside in Michigan and be willing to come to the office if needed.

We look forward to helping you feel better!

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