The topic of cognitive behavioral dynamics is central to navigating recovery and finding psychological healing in the process, and that is why we make it a key topic in our intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program.
How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves working with a therapist or psychotherapist in order to learn to identify negative thinking and destructive thought patterns. It is often used for individuals who are battling depression, PTSD, an eating disorder, or some other mental disorder. It is especially useful for recovering addicts because addiction has a tendency to bring negative thoughts and negative thinking patterns to surface. Moreover, addiction is frequently co-existent with mental disorders, as individuals with these disorders can turn to substance abuse as a form of self-medication.
What are the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy?
One major benefit of cognitive behavioral therapy lies in how it can prepare individuals to handle stressful situations more effectively. Stress can be a major trigger for relapse, making stress management all the more important in recovery. And cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals manage more than stress; it can also help individuals identify ways to manage emotions, overcome emotional trauma, resolve relationship conflicts, and manage chronic physical symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly tailored to the individual, so whatever psychological struggles might be holding you back in recovery, CTB can leave you with the knowledge and techniques you need to battle your particular addiction. Overall, cognitive behavioral therapy has the power to offer well rounded psychological healing to those who are overcoming addiction.
As cognitive behavioral therapy involves exploring painful and negative feelings and experiences, it can, of course, feel emotionally uncomfortable at times. With the help of a skilled therapist and valuable coping techniques, however, individuals involved in cognitive behavioral therapy will learn how to manage and overcome those emotional barriers that are holding them back in recovery.