Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Produces Results In Short Time

By Stephen Schmidt


Some types of therapy take months and even years. CBT is not one of them. It is a practical way to solve a problem with short term counseling. Goals are reached by changing patterns of incorrect beliefs held by the patient. What he believes is preventing him from achieving goals. This successful method, cognitive behavioral therapy, is offered in New Jersey as well as other places.

It is considered one of the shortest psychotherapies. The problem is identified and a way to change it is planned out. The inaccurate beliefs can be changed when the patient sees they are not true. After that, the problem can be overcome.

Immediate recognition of what needs changing is the single factor that makes it short term. A goal is set and achieved in a pre-planned number of sessions. If the patient can release the belief that he will not be successful at anything, he can replace it with a new and positive belief. A new positive belief will free him to achieve success.

A mental health counselor will identify the problem. If it is apprehension about applying and interviewing for a job, the fears and inaccurate beliefs will be approached and dispelled. He will learn new beliefs. He will believe he is indeed capable of doing both and getting the job.

Usually during the first session, the problem is identified and a plan to solve it is set into motion. There is no delving into past childhood events that may have led to its development. CBT deals with what is going on in the present.

One example deals with fear of dogs. People love dogs, unless they have been bitten. If that fear prevents the client from continuing a relationship with a dog owner, it can be overcome. The client may never get to the point where she adores the pooch. However, she can learn to accept having the pet in her life without dislike or fear.

The therapy might start with a discussion about dogs and how people love them as if they were children. Looking at photos of the different breeds may be next. Since CBT uses homework as part of the therapeutic process, she may be asked to drive to a dog park. From the safety of her car, she will observe how owners and dogs play and have fun with each other.

Her next homework might be walking past dogs on leash as their owners take them down the sidewalk. She does not have to look directly at them as some dogs perceive that as threatening. Then she may be ready to visit in a home with small dogs. She will reach down to pet them and just spend time around them.

Growing progressively more able to stroke their fur is an integral part of her CBT therapy. A visit to a humane society is the next step. If she cannot grow to love dogs, she may be able to empathize with their unhappiness at not having homes. Now she is able to be close to many dogs at one time.

She may achieve the goal of being able to accept her partners dog. Perhaps one day she will grow to like his furry friend. She will not give up a good relationship because he is unwilling to give up his beloved dog.




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