Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Westminster, CO
People tell themselves things that are untrue and negative at times, and this negative self-talk is called a cognitive distortion. In the best-case scenario, cognitive distortions make hard situations more difficult. In the worst-case scenario, cognitive distortions create problems that do not exist in reality. In either case, many people are learning that they cannot always change their circumstances or other people, but they can confront their own cognitive distortions that may be exacerbating an already challenging situation. They are reaching out for help from a counselor and participating in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
When people are ready for a change in their lives, often that process begins within themselves. CBT is a therapeutic model that guides people on how to grow personally. In research studies, clients who took part in CBT were able to make long-term and significant changes in their thinking and their behavior. In particular, people who had depression and anxiety experienced a similar amount of relief with CBT as they did with medication. CBT’s focus is on self-change. Individuals are empowered with emotional skills and self-awareness. Thus, clients who participate in CBT often experience its benefits well after their counseling finishes.
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Westminster provide cognitive behavioral therapy. Out staff has watched their clients experience personal growth that led to positive overall change in their lives. Reach out today to schedule your first cognitive behavioral therapy session.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
CBT is designed to work on a specific emotional, social, psychological, or relational problem that an individual may be experiencing. It requires individuals to be proactive as they examine a particular challenge in their lives. CBT does not address the situation, but it seeks to adjust how people think about that situation.
Counselors can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment for a variety of problems and disorders, including…
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Insomnia
- Self-destructive habits
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anger management
- Self-mutilation
- Drug and/or alcohol addiction
- Mood swings
- Child and adolescent issues
- Anxiety
- General health issues
Common Cognitive Distortions
If people interpret a situation negatively and inaccurately, they are probably experiencing a cognitive distortion. These are negative thought patterns that often leave people feeling stuck. Cognitive distortions may also lead people to act on inaccurate interpretations of a situation. A significant task of CBT is to help individuals identify and replace these cognitive distortions with healthier, more positive thoughts. Common cognitive distortions include…
- “Black and white” or polarized thinking
- Filtering
- Catastrophizing
- Control fallacies
- Overgeneralization
- Personalization
- Blaming
- Fairness fallacy
- Emotional reasoning
Book a CBT Session with a Counselor at Thriveworks in Westminster, CO
Stop and think about your own life for a moment. How are you responding to its difficulties and challenges? Did any of the cognitive distortions listed above sound familiar to you? If so, you are not alone. If you are ready to adjust those distortions, Thriveworks Westminster is ready to help.
We offer evening and weekend sessions, but we do not have a waitlist. We also accept many forms of insurance. Positive change is possible. Contact Thriveworks Westminster today.
