Originally posted on https://www.phoenixrisingrecovery.com/rehab-blog/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/

Over the past few years, the addiction treatment community has adopted a more evidence based approach to treatment. One of the primary modalities addiction treatment professionals prefer is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Over time, this particular treatment option has also proven to be very effective. In the sections below, we will answer the question “What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?” and explain how it directs a client into a better state of mind.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

The underlying concept behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a person’s feelings and thoughts will eventually dictate their behaviors. For instance, a person who has an obsessive fear of being shot would be very likely to advocate for gun control.

Generally, therapists will use a CBT program as a short term tool for interactions with a client. The goal of this particular treatment option is to get the patient to look introspectively at their thoughts and feelings. Therapists will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to target a very specific problem. For instance, a client might enter treatment while suffering from depression. Their therapist might choose to infuse a CBT program as part of the client’s depression treatment program.

Types of Cognitive Behavior Therapy include the following:

• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) – focusing on irrational thought and beliefs
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – addresses thinking patterns and behaviors with strategies
• Cognitive Therapy – identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted thinking patterns that lead to destructive behaviors
• Multi-modal Therapy – seven different but connected modalities: behavior, affect, sensation, imagery, cognition, interpersonal, and drug/biological

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and How Does It Work?

CBT can be a little hard to understand. Our patients often ask, “What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? How does it help?” We tell them they will work very closely with their therapist. The therapist will then place all of their focus on helping the client identify harmful thoughts and feelings. Many times the therapist will assign “homework”, which also gives the client an opportunity to sit alone and reflect on ideas. It really amounts to a journey of self-discovery.

Once the client is able to identify their negative thoughts and feelings, they can begin to see the correlation between those thoughts and feelings and their actions. For example, someone struggling with addiction might suffer from feelings of loneliness. To mask the depression, they might use meth to appear more outgoing.

Once the client is able to see the correlation between thoughts and actions, they can empower themselves to make better decisions. At the end of treatment, the client should be able to walk away with more control over their world.

Phoenix Rising Recovery – Making a Difference

As a modern-day addiction treatment center, we do subscribe to the use of treatment options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. To us, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program is an invaluable tool for treating all kinds of addiction and mental health issues. Our current menu of addiction treatment options includes the following:

• In-house detox programs
• Inpatient treatment options, including Extended care (90 days)
• Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Neuro and biofeedback therapy
• Dual Diagnosis
• Trauma-informed care

At Phoenix Rising Recovery, we offer an expansive range of treatment options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hopefully, you now understand better exactly what is cognitive behavioral therapy. For information about our addiction services, please give Phoenix Rising a call at 855.232.8211.