Behavioral Cognitive Therapy (CBT) focuses on the relationship between thoughts and beliefs and the way a person behaves. It assumes the possibility of changing dysfunctional patterns by developing the correct ways of thinking and reacting. Important elements of CBT therapy include cognitive restructuring, exposure to stimuli, dialogue with the inner critic, a thought journal, and behavioral experiments.
Cognitive restructuring
Cognitive restructuring in CBT means challenging dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior. The therapist prompts the patient to look for evidence for and against various beliefs. As a result, it turns out that a significant part of them were wrong.
Exposure to stimuli
When working with people with anxiety disorders, m.in is used. exposure to stimuli. This means gradually and controllably confronting the patient with situations, things or thoughts that cause anxiety. Regular repetition of this exercise reduces the anxiety response and corrects misconceptions.
A Mind Journal in CBT Therapy
As part of therapy, the patient can keep a diary in which he writes down thoughts and emotions that appear in specific situations. This makes it easier to identify dysfunctional beliefs.
Dialogue with the inner critic
A useful part of CBT therapy, especially for patients with low self-esteem, is to listen to the voice of your inner critic and talk to them. The therapist encourages the patient to ask questions such as: “What are you criticizing me for?” or “How would your voice be helpful to me?”.
Behavioral experiments
An important element of CBT therapy are also experiments, which allow the patient to verify the correctness of their beliefs. For example, a person who thinks that no one cares about their opinion is encouraged to express their opinions during conversations.