Cognitive and behavioral therapy, counseling for psychological problems

If you have a medical problem such as high blood pressure, shortness of breath, or a broken bone, what will you do? You can be sure that you will go to a health facility and access help from a health professional. This has become part of human common sense when he falls ill.

However, what if the disorder you feel is psychological in nature? Will you have access to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist? Unfortunately, there are still many people who are reluctant to go to the checkup and seek professional help when the problem they are experiencing is a psychological one. The reason is, seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist is often associated with mental disorders which are still considered taboo by society. In fact, mental health is just as important as your physical health. So there is really no reason to beat mental health.

If you have complaints related to your psychological or mental condition such as phobia or insomnia, one method a mental health professional may offer is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy is a combination of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy which is carried out by means of counseling. Its main goal is to change the patterns of thought or behavior that cause various problems in a person's life.

How is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) different from other therapies?

Psychotherapy focuses on thinking patterns that were formed during your childhood. Meanwhile, behavioral therapy focuses on the relationship between your problems, thought patterns, and behavior. CBT combines the techniques of the two therapies. When compared to other therapies, CBT has several advantages. These advantages include:

• CBT will focus on one specific problem in your life so that you won't get overwhelmed by other problems and complaints
• It is very structured because you don't need to explain all the details of your life from the past, you only need to address one problem you want to solve right now.
• You and your therapist can set very specific goals to achieve after therapy is over
• CBT is an open therapy where you and your therapist can discuss the best course of action without being coerced and overpowered by suggestions from therapists that don't suit you.
• CBT usually does not take too much time, it is hoped that in 10 to 20 meetings you will have made significant progress

Who can undergo CBT?

CBT is a therapy that has been shown to be effective against a variety of problems. Complaints that can usually be resolved with CBT include phobias; eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia; insomnia; dependence on alcohol, cigarettes and drugs; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder; depression; anxious; and psychological trauma due to sexual violence or abuse. This therapy can be undertaken by children and adults. However, it is best if you refer to a therapist who is used to dealing with child clients if you are going to take your child on CBT.

How does CBT work?

In cognitive and behavioral therapy sessions, you will be asked to open up and tell the therapist about your complaints. Don't worry about talking about your problem because the therapist who treats you will definitely maintain the principle of confidentiality and will not judge you. To understand how CBT works, consider the following steps.

1. Detect problems

At the beginning of therapy, you will be asked to describe the complaints you are experiencing. These complaints can include alcoholism, insomnia, failure to form relationships, or angry outbursts. At this stage you and the therapist will both determine the root of the problem to be solved and the ultimate goal to be achieved.

2. Be aware of the feelings and thoughts that arise

After you detect a problem that is haunting, you will be asked to share how you felt or thought when the problem arose. For example, you will feel relieved or lighter when you drink alcohol overnight. You believe that drinking alcohol can help you forget about problems and get rid of stress. Usually the therapist will recommend that you record your feelings and thoughts in a journal or journal.

3. Managing wrong or negative thought patterns

To help you realize that something is wrong with your mindset, your therapist will ask you to compare different situations. At this stage you should really pay attention to the physical, emotional, and psychological reactions that arise when you are not being triggered by problems that arise (under normal conditions).

4. Reshaping wrong or negative thought patterns

The final stages of CBT are the most difficult. You will be asked to evaluate whether your mindset and perspective on a condition is based on common sense, or by misconceptions. You have to really understand that your mindset has been wrong. For example, if you are addicted to alcohol, you will be led to realize that alcohol is not the answer to the pressure you face every day at work. Your better mindset will be continually instilled with the help of a therapist. You will also be able to control your cognitive and behavioral processes when problems arise.