Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been particularly beneficial for us in the context of addiction recovery. This form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy is an essential tool for enhancing overall wellness and health. Developed by Aaron Beck, MD., over fifty years ago, CBT may seem complex, but it is actually quite straightforward. Essentially, it helps us shape and influence our feelings, and consequently, our actions as part of our health journey.
The Behavior Chain is an effective tool in CBT therapy that aids individuals in recognizing how their thoughts impact behaviors. Every action in life, much like a movie script, can be broken down into four basic components: (1) situation (2) thoughts (3) feelings (4) behavior.
CBT basic components: (1) situation (2) thoughts (3) feelings (4) behavior
The behavior chain begins with a (1) situation, which could be any event. The next part of the chain is the (2) thoughts section. Often, our initial thoughts tend to lean towards the negative.
When we identify these negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones, our (3) feelings and subsequent (4) behavior become more grounded and centered. The key lies in recognizing and challenging those initial negative thoughts.
We can utilize behavior chains to review past situations and plan for upcoming events such as weddings, reunions, or birthdays. For instance, consider the scenario of driving to work when "somebody cuts us off and flips us the bird."
CBT basic components: (1) situation (2) thoughts (3) feelings (4) behavior
(1) Situation: Somebody cuts us off and flips us the bird.
(2) Thoughts: Initial negative: "Why that SOB" OR more positive: "Who cares."
(3) Feelings: Negative thoughts create feelings of anger or agitation OR less anxiety (with more positive thoughts).
(4) Behavior: This can lead to snapping at co-workers (negative flow) OR being kinder to them (positive thought flow).
This illustrates how external actions beyond our control can shape our thinking and behavioral patterns. By understanding these concepts through CBT, particularly in the context of addiction recovery and detox, individuals can make better decisions that positively affect both themselves and others.
CBT Core Components
Sometimes, our thoughts are skewed towards the negative end of the spectrum. By challenging these negative thoughts, we can better manage our feelings and actions, which is crucial for overall wellness and health.
CBT Core Beliefs
Core beliefs are often held with strong conviction, even though they may be partially or entirely untrue. A person can employ various strategies to challenge these beliefs, allowing for a more realistic self-view, which is vital in the journey of recovery.
CBT Coping Skills
Another significant aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the development of effective coping skills. Ideally, through therapy, professionals will assist individuals by teaching coping strategies that can be beneficial in high-risk situations during addiction recovery and detox.
All these core beliefs are essentially thoughts and ideas:
1. It's just an idea and not necessarily the truth.
2. It's an idea that can be challenged.
3. It's an idea that needs to be supported through "select data."
4. It may have originated in childhood.
Mike Hupfer, trained in the treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA), is the author of Memoir of a Broken Child. He also enjoys writing fictional horror stories that incorporate dark and bizarre elements with a taste for the macabre.