Exploring Skin Rejuvenation Technology and Techniques
February 26, 2026
How Receiving Regular Primary Care Promotes Wellness
February 26, 2026
Psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to address mental health, and this approach provides a supportive environment where you learn about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. While there are many forms of psychotherapy, one effective method is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing destructive thinking patterns and behaviors. Here is more information about this approach:
Changing Negative Thought Patterns
CBT operates on the principle that your thoughts influence your feelings and actions. This therapy helps you recognize negative thought patterns. When you understand how these thoughts shape your experience, you have the opportunity to develop healthier responses. A therapist typically guides you through this process, and you work together to build new cognitive skills.
Negative thought patterns include:
- Catastrophizing: Always expecting the worst-case scenario to happen, even when it’s unlikely.
- Black-and-white thinking: Viewing situations in extremes, such as “all or nothing” terms, without recognizing the gray areas in between.
- Overgeneralization: Drawing broad conclusions based on one single event or piece of evidence.
- Personalization: Blaming yourself for things beyond your control or assuming you are the cause of negative events.
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy. To help you practice new skills between sessions, therapists typically assign homework, such as journaling. This practical application reinforces learning and helps you integrate new thought processes into your daily life, and you learn to observe your thoughts without immediate judgment.
Targeting Distorted Beliefs
Many individuals experience cognitive distortions, which are irrational ways of thinking that contribute to negative emotions. CBT specifically targets these distorted beliefs. A therapist assists you in challenging these beliefs by examining the evidence for and against them, and this process helps you see situations more clearly.
Another focus of CBT is identifying core beliefs that you developed over time, often beginning in childhood. These deep-seated beliefs about yourself, others, and the world may be inaccurate, yet they drive your automatic thoughts and reactions. By uncovering and restructuring these core beliefs, you create a more balanced perspective. This work takes time, but it builds a strong foundation for lasting change.
Providing Practical Tools
CBT provides practical tools for managing thoughts and emotions. Therapists teach specific techniques to help you cope with challenging situations. These methods are designed to be used in your everyday life.
You may learn a variety of techniques, including:
- Relaxation exercises
- Problem-solving skills
- Assertiveness training
These tools enable you to manage stress and interact more effectively with others, and you build skills as you apply them. The goal is for you to become your own therapist by mastering these skills, giving you a sense of agency over your mental well-being.
Treating Mental Health Conditions
CBT is a widely researched psychotherapy approach for various mental health conditions. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Because it is highly structured, progress may be measured over time, which gives both you and your therapist clear feedback. You will learn skills to manage specific symptoms.
Schedule Psychotherapy Sessions Today
CBT is a psychotherapy approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It provides practical strategies for identifying and changing negative patterns. By learning new skills, you are equipped to handle life’s challenges in a healthier way. If you are ready to learn more about how psychotherapy may help you, contact our office to schedule a session with one of our trained therapists.
