Dave has been feeling down in the dumps for the last week and a half. It all started at work when Dave went into his annual review—he was sure he’d be praised for all of his hard work, but instead, his boss criticizes him for slacking on the job. “This isn’t fair,” he mumbles as he walks out of his boss’s office. Ever since, Dave has been grumpy, both at work and at home. He feels like his wife should have more sympathy for him, but instead, she gets on him for his bad attitude. And now, even his kids don’t want to spend time with him because he’s “no fun.” Dave screams in frustration, “What did I do to deserve this? What’s next? When will it end?”
This is a prime example of how our thoughts create our reality. Dave convinces himself that he is ill-fated and that bad things will just keep happening to him. He engages in cognitive distortions, or negative thinking habits, that only enable him to dig himself a deeper hole! Many of us have found ourselves in similar situations, in that we engage in negative thinking, which controls our actions, which creates our reality.
There are a variety of techniques to help people change the kind of thinking that leads them to become depressed. These techniques are called cognitive behavioral therapy. –Irving Kirsch
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) at Thriveworks Counseling in Boca Raton, FL in the Palm Beach and Delray Beach area can help you correct your negative thinking patterns. In turn, you will learn to live a happier, healthier life every single day. And you will leave therapy equipped with valuable skills and tools that can help those around you live better too! If you think you could benefit from working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Boca Raton, FL right now. Call (561) 285-3503 when you’re ready to schedule your first appointment.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Work?
Let’s return to the example above for a moment. If Dave thought positive, productive thoughts, how would that change his reality? More specifically, what if Dale engaged in a different way of thinking, starting with the moment he walked out of his boss’s office? Instead of pitying himself for getting a bad review, he could say, “This is my chance to improve and really solidify my position in the company!” He could also bring the positive things that his boss had to say to the forefront: “At least he knows that I really care about this company and have the potential to make a huge impact if I step it up now!”
We know that it’s easier to focus on the bad than it is to find the good; but we also know that rewiring your brain to look for the good can be incredibly beneficial. And fortunately for you, there are professionals called cognitive behavioral therapists who are experts at helping people change their thought patterns. In doing so, they help clients work through challenges like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alcohol abuse
- Addiction
- Grief and loss
- Loneliness and isolation
- Relationship issues
- Career success
- Personal growth
…and so much more! Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people work through virtually any challenge in front of them. If you decide to work with a cognitive behavioral therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Boca Raton, FL, we’re confident that you will walk away happier.
What Techniques Are Used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Success in cognitive behavioral therapy relies on an equal relationship between client and therapist. The client first delves into what kind of problems they are experiencing as well as what their goals for cognitive behavioral therapy are. These are discussed again and again during each session, as the client and therapist work together to tackle the issues at hand and develop healthier thinking patterns that will help the individual solve or improve said issues.
Often, the client will put in a little bit of work outside of cognitive behavioral therapy in the form of homework. This homework might be to journal between sessions; the client and his or her therapist will then review their journal entries to gage progress and apply what is learned in therapy to real life.
Work with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at Thriveworks Counseling in Boca Raton, FL
If your negative thinking is causing you distress or having a negative impact on any area of your life, consider working with a cognitive behavioral therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to correct these negative thoughts and ultimately improve your career, your personal relationships, and your overall life.
If you are in the Palm Beach or Delray Beach area, the cognitive behavioral therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Boca Raton, FL are ready to meet with you. Call (561) 285-3503 to schedule an appointment when you’re ready. We can get you a next-day appointment if you are ready to get to work right now!
