Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Decades of research has supported Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an effective treatment for anxiety- and mood-related issues. Individuals with anxiety and depression experience negative thoughts about themselves and their environments, which results in avoidance of both stressful situations and enjoyable activities. CBT begins by helping an individual learn what is happening in their bodies when they are anxious or sad. It then teaches them how to challenge negative thoughts and expectations. Finally, it sets up experiments where the individual confronts feared situations or approaches previously enjoyable situations, allowing them to learn that they are capable of handling the outcome that arises.Although CBT often begins in a therapist’s office, the goal is for skills to be practiced at home and in the community.