Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can be used with kids, teens, and adults. CBT focuses on the present and the future. It helps people realize they have control over their behaviors. With CBT, people meet with a therapist whether a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a social worker. They can meet individually, in a group, or with family members.
One of the techniques therapists use in CTB is called modeling. This is where the therapist demonstrates the desired behavior, like standing up to a bully. Another technique is cognitive restructuring, where people learn to recognize and replace negative thoughts. CBT is shorter term than some other kinds of therapy. The number of sessions people go to is usually between 10 and 20. But each person is different, and the number of recommended sessions can vary.
There are certain steps involved in CBT including identifying things in your life that are upsetting, becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings about them, recognizing thinking that’s negative or not accurate, and reshaping that thinking into a more positive view. There are different forms of CBT including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Mindfulness teaches kids and adults how to manage their body and mind in response to stressors. Another is called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that helps teens and adults who struggle with negative feelings and behaviors.
CBT is used to treat people with a range of mental health conditions such as Anxiety disorders, depression, Eating disorders, Bipolar disorders, and Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The CBT therapy can also help with chronic stress, fear, low self-esteem, and other emotional struggles. CBT teaches people how to manage their emotions and put things in perspective. For CBT to work, people need to understand their thought patterns. Kids under age 7 may not have that ability until they’re older. Harvard