Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Reston, VA

I feel that the most beneficial aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for clients is learning about the relationship between their thoughts, emotions (feelings), and behaviors. Once a client has insight into their patterns of responding to events and situations, then they learn tools they can use for interrupting or changing those patterns, helping them feel more empowered and capable of handling life's challenges.

I find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be extremely helpful for clients because it helps them have a better understanding of why they do what they do and how they can use tools and strategies to make changes that will reduce their distress and improve their well-being. Some CBT tools that I like to introduce clients to are:

• Psycho-education: I use this tool to help clients develop an understanding of the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how changing these patterns can lead to positive outcomes.
• Identifying cognitive distortions: Identifying unhelpful thinking patterns can help clients recognize when these patterns occur and how they might be impacting their perspectives in any given situation.
• Cognitive restructuring: My clients find this to be one of the most helpful tools in CBT! Using this technique, I invite them to consider how they might challenge or reframe their thoughts.
• Skill-building and coping strategies: Clients will be introduced to practical skills that can help them manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve problem-solving. I enjoy introducing clients to mindfulness and relaxation techniques, as well as time management strategies, which will help them handle daily stressors better.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy when they demonstrate that they are using CBT tools automatically, either during our therapy sessions or when describing their purposeful choice to use a new strategy during a situation that occurred outside of session.

It's so important for clients to supplement the work we do in sessions by engaging in the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy strategies during their daily lives. Sometimes, this means completing specific homework exercises to gain insight and practice skills, using mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques often throughout the week, and/or considering the changes they want to incorporate into their daily lives.

My recommendations for clients who are considering starting cognitive behavioral therapy are:

• Consider the change you want to make for yourself.
• Be willing to let go of the assumptions you make about yourself and the world around you.
• Recognize that change takes effort and be open to trying new things.
• Consider that change comes from within and that you have the power to make that happen!