Interested in CBT?
Learn How It Works…
At GroundWork Counseling in Orlando, we specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapies for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (panic disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder) and other related or cooccurring disorders (depression, tic disorders, Tourettes). Often, we are asked, “I’ve had lots of therapy from many different therapists. How is CBT different, how does CBT work?”
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is unique because it consists of evidence-based approaches. This means that CBT is substantiated by tens of thousands of scientific studies that verify CBT as being the most effective therapeutic treatment available. In addition, many studies have confirmed that CBT helps people function better at work, in school and in their relationships, while improving overall well-being and quality of life.
The principles of CBT are based on a theory that is quite simple: our thoughts create our feelings and behaviors. In other words, our thoughts and core beliefs cause our emotions and behavioral patterns. CBT is based on three basic concepts:
- Our cognition (thoughts and beliefs) affect behavior
- Our cognition can be monitored and changed
- Desired behavioral changes can be made by changing our cognitions
To do this, CBT therapists work together with clients on current problems they would like to address using cognitive and behavioral strategies. Treatment is time limited and depending on the problem and its severity, treatment typically ranges from 12 to 30 sessions.
Treatment at GroundWork Counseling in Orlando begins with a careful assessment designed to understand the client as a person and identify their challenges and goals. After assessment, our therapists review the results with the client to plan treatment in a collaboratively. During this process, we form an intimate and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client that lays the groundwork for the work ahead.
Treatment typically begins with psychoeducation in which clients learn to better understand their challenges as well as the CBT methods designed to help:
- Cognitive strategies help individuals recognize the relationship between their thoughts and their emotions and works on changing their unhelpful thoughts in order to feel better and become more motivated. For example, learning about what causes physical symptoms of anxiety and panic and challenging thoughts that these symptoms are dangerous, helps to break the cycle of anxiety.
- Behavioral strategies help individuals learn how their current behavior affects their emotions and teaches specific strategies for overcoming overwhelming and debilitating feelings. For example, by gradually approaching something that is normally avoided, a significant and lasting reduction in anxiety is achieved.
- Homework assignments between sessions are another important component of CBT. The use of well-researched homework assignments between sessions help to actively change thoughts, feelings and behaviors. and help significant improvement and changes to occur much earlier and end treatment sooner. Just like learning how to play a new sport or an instrument, the people who improve the most are those who do the work assigned between sessions.
At GroundWork Counseling in Orlando, our counselors and therapists can teach you to become your own best resource to solve problems. The goal of our CBT therapists is to help clients feel greater mastery, control, and freedom in their lives so they may pursue their values and goals.
Speak With An Orlando CBT Therapist
407-378-3000
