What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
The main idea of this therapy is that difficulties in living, relationships, general health, etc., have their origin in (and are maintained by) both cognitive and behavioral factors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has its roots in behavioral as well as cognitive therapy. Its techniques have been subjected to scientific research and demonstrated to be effective clinical methods. The cognitive side of therapy looks at how our thoughts can create our feelings and mood. Behavioral therapy pays attention to the relationship between the problems, behavior and thoughts of a person. CBT usually focuses on what is going on in the present, but often the therapy will also look at how thinking patterns may have begun in early childhood. CBT tries to teach people skills for dealing with their problems and to solve problems that may have been long-standing. You must understand that going through cognitive behavioral therapy generally is not an overnight process for clients; a typical course consists of 12-16 hour-long sessions.