Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT] is a technique that helps people to find new ways to behave by making modifications in their thought patterns. It is a program that is problem specific and oriented to the outcome. CBT needs active involvement from the individual undergoing the therapy for the best outcomes.

How long does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy take?

Usually, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is of 5-20 sessions on a weekly or fortnight basis. Each session is about 30 to 60 minutes long.

What is the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

An individual suffering from anxiety or depression is the main area of focus for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The most effectiveness of CBT is seen in an individual having moderate to severe depression.

Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is done?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is done to change the behavior of an individual suffering from any of the following psychological disorders:

1. Depression
2. Panic/Anxiety attacks
3. Addictions
4. Behavioral compulsions
5. Eating disorders
6. Schizophrenia
7. Bipolar/Mood disorder
8. Phobias
9. Emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges

What are the risks associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

1. One may feel emotionally uncomfortable
2. One may weep, get sad or feel angry during the session
3. Confronting situations are to be dealt with
4. Temporary stress and anxiety

How to prepare before Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

1. Finding a therapist is the first step
2. Understanding the cost of the sessions
3. An individual’s concerns should be valued
4. Background and education check should be done on the psychotherapist
5. The area of expertise of the psychotherapist should also be known

What are the steps involved in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

There are usually 4 steps involved in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

1. Identifying the troubling situation in an individual’s life.
2. Becoming aware of an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs associated with the problem.
3. Identifying negative and inaccurate thoughts or thinking method.
4. Modifying or changing the negative thought process.

What are the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Few benefits associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are:

1. Decreases the symptoms of mental illness
2. Avoids relapse of mental illness
3. A better option where medications are not responding  well
4. An individual can learn new coping techniques
5. Emotional illness caused due to abuse and violence can be managed

Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy be done by ourselves?

For becoming your own therapist, an individual has to read books on how to master the CBT sessions on their own. For better understanding, The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has a list of books to be referred to.

How to get more benefits out of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Following are the tips of getting most out of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

1. The therapy should be approached in partnership.
2. One should be open and honest about the things said.
3. The treatment plan should be constant.
4. One should be patient and should not expect instant results.
5. Follow on what the psychotherapist suggests as homework.
6. If after a few sessions the patient feels that the therapy isn’t working then the individual should talk to the therapist.