Three Things I Need to Know About CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)

Three Things I Need to Know About CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)

Melanie VanDyke, PhD

Melanie VanDyke, PhD

Melanie VanDyke, PhD is a licensed psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Dr. VanDyke specializes in treating anxiety-related disorders such as social anxiety, panic, hoarding, and OCD. She was awarded Missouri Psychological Association’s Psychologist of the Year in 2023 and serves as the Chair of the Evidence-Based Practice Committee. Dr. VanDyke is the Missouri Representative to the American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives. She was awarded Special Recognition for her contributions to the Public Education Committee for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Dr. VanDyke has authored numerous research articles, book chapters, and educational materials for professionals, patients, and families. She was a co-investigator on the family well-being consultation research project and a co-author of the newly released book, When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment: How to Promote Recovery and Reclaim your Family’s Well-Being. Dr. VanDyke supports interprofessional healthcare professionals through training, consultation, and supervision. 

Kendra Onoh

Kendra Onoh

Kendra Onoh, Pharm.D. Candidate, is a fourth-year professional pharmacy student at St. Louis College of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. She received her bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis in Health Sciences through the college in 2019, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Onoh is currently the historian for Rho Chi Honor Society, Beta Kappa Chapter and the mental health chair for Student National Pharmacist Association. In addition to her pharmacy intern license, immunization certification, and basic life support training, Ms. Onoh has certificates for Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training, introductory compounding, and specialty compounding for individuals with autism. She currently works as a pharmacy intern as well as a writing center consultant. Additionally, she is the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and a research assistant to Dr. VanDyke. Their research team explored the impact of grit, engagement, atmosphere, and resilience on academic success. Ms. Onoh presented her award-winning research at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy Student Research Symposium and at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Virtual Poster Symposium.

Kelly Birmingham, PsyD

Kelly Birmingham PsyD

Kelly Birmingham-Watts is a Postdoctoral Resident with the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD).  Kelly uses evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat patients in the Intensive Outpatient Program, individual therapy, and Social Anxiety Exposure Group that she co-facilitates with Dr. VanDyke. She completed her Psy.D. requirements from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her Predoctoral internship with the St. Louis Psychology Internship Consortium.  Kelly’s clinical interests include co-occurring disorders centered around anxiety and over-controlled behaviors.  She has experience treating a wide variety of psychological disorders integrating cognitive-behavioral and somatic interventions.

Three Things I Need to Know About CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)

Share
No
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

1.  What is CBT?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that challenges ineffective thought patterns (cognitions) and ineffective behavior patterns (behavioral) to pursue a more fulfilling life. Behavioral therapy alone emphasizes how we learn to behave based on the consequences of the action (i.e., positive and negative reinforcement). However, CBT is more comprehensive: teaching clients how to think differently through cognitive interventions (i.e., interpreting a situation in a more helpful way) and behave differently with behavioral interventions (i.e., doing the opposite action to a dysfunctional emotion, such as facing a feared situation when anxious or exercising when depressed). CBT is an evidence-based treatment that can be used to treat many disorders, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.  

Early in treatment, the therapist and client develop a productive therapeutic relationship, including mutual trust, respect, and shared treatment goals. Next, the therapist and patient work together to carefully list the problematic thoughts and behaviors to be changed, along with the triggers that come before and consequences that come after. Patients then actively practice modifying their thoughts and behaviors, while the therapist provides support and encouragement.  First, the therapist guides these learning-based treatment exercises in session.  Then, the patient independently practices these healthy behaviors between sessions to promote better functioning in a variety of settings. As treatment progresses, the patient learns the skills necessary to become their own coach, challenging and modifying their own maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.  Throughout the treatment process, the therapist continuously evaluates the treatment effectiveness and adjusts the treatment procedures accordingly. CBT is a treatment strategy that has essential components, yet is tailored to individual patient needs.

In the midst of current events, isolation can surely reinforce or exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. The cognitive-behavioral model explains how dysfunctional thoughts and avoidance behaviors maintain feelings of anxiety. This cascade begins with a fear trigger. For example, someone with social anxiety disorder who has a fear of public speaking could be triggered by having to speak in front of a crowd. The trigger then causes a threat misappraisal, making the person think that they will be judged harshly for making a small mistake (such as blushing or stumbling over a word) and that they won’t be able to handle it. These dysfunctional thoughts lead to physiological symptoms of anxiety, including (but not limited to) a faster heart and respiratory rate, sweating, flushing, and shaking. Understandably, these negative symptoms lead to avoidant coping, such as running away from the crowd (and opportunity). As a result, there is an absence of corrective experience (i.e., not learning how to deal with mistakes) that reinforces the original threat misappraisal (i.e., I can’t handle mistakes).  Therefore, without this safety learning, the next time the person faces a speaking opportunity, they repeat the cycle—knowing that avoidance decreases the anxiety (if only in the short term).   Finally, the person often finds that this avoidance places them farther away from their goals (e.g., finishing their class for graduation or presenting their accomplishments for promotion).

Using this example, the patient may feel stuck in a cycle of fear and avoidance. Working with their CBT therapist, the patient learns to reinterpret events to be more helpful.  Many people with anxiety and depression are more compassionate to others and benefit from catching their negative thoughts, such as—I can’t do this, and reinterpreting this thought as what they’d say to a friend with this belief. In CBT, patients learn to validate the emotion and support the goal by responding with a new thought such as--this is difficult (validation) but doable (goal focused). Then the patient works with their therapist to establish a series of manageable steps to achieve their goals.  For instance, an early step may be finding resources for the presentation and putting them together on your desk, followed by regular practice of their presentation. With repeated, focused practice, patients progress and form new habits that better match their goals. 

2.  How do I find a CBT therapist?

To find a therapist who is trained in and uses CBT, it is a good idea to start with an online search for CBT therapists in your area.  A website such as ADAA.org (https://adaa.org/find-help) can help you identify therapists who have additional training and experience in treating people with anxiety and depression.

After identifying therapists who may be a good fit, it is often helpful to conduct a brief interview to verify that their treatment strategies align with your treatment goals.  Some questions you may ask to determine if a therapist provides CBT: 

•    How many cases of (my diagnosis) have you treated? Experienced answer: More cases is better.
•    What approach would you use with (my diagnosis)? CBT answer: CBT or behavioral therapy-- present-focused, short-term (10-20 sessions). 
•    What specific cognitive-behavioral techniques do you typically use when someone has (my diagnosis)? CBT answer: Description of modifying dysfunctional thoughts and practicing new behaviors.
•    How often do you give homework for patients to do between sessions? CBT answer: Most sessions.
•    Do you belong to any organizations that provide on-going training in CBT? CBT answers may include ADAA, ABCT, and other organizations that show continued skill development.

Often times, therapists use cognitive techniques within therapy without the structure and support necessary for gradual behavioral change (i.e., specific homework to practice doing difficult things to reach your goals). A CBT therapist will emphasize the use of treatment within the office as well as between sessions (i.e., at home and in the community). Treatment plans should not be a mystery--as it is important to be open about progress and goals. CBT therapists will monitor treatment effects, provide short-term, present-focused treatment, and may deliver treatment in-person or via telehealth.  

3. How do I know if CBT is working for me?

If CBT is working for you, you should notice explicit behavioral changes (i.e., the ability to approach situations that you feared or to function better when depressed). With your therapist, take time to reflect on your treatment goals and discuss the progress being made. Over time, if treatment is not improving anxious or depressed thoughts and behaviors, it is important to discuss necessary adjustments with your therapist. Continuing therapy that is not working can potentially reinforce unhelpful behavior. Therefore, therapists can modify their treatment plans so that you can move toward your therapeutic goals.
 

Melanie VanDyke, PhD

Melanie VanDyke, PhD

Melanie VanDyke, PhD is a licensed psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. Dr. VanDyke specializes in treating anxiety-related disorders such as social anxiety, panic, hoarding, and OCD. She was awarded Missouri Psychological Association’s Psychologist of the Year in 2023 and serves as the Chair of the Evidence-Based Practice Committee. Dr. VanDyke is the Missouri Representative to the American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives. She was awarded Special Recognition for her contributions to the Public Education Committee for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Dr. VanDyke has authored numerous research articles, book chapters, and educational materials for professionals, patients, and families. She was a co-investigator on the family well-being consultation research project and a co-author of the newly released book, When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment: How to Promote Recovery and Reclaim your Family’s Well-Being. Dr. VanDyke supports interprofessional healthcare professionals through training, consultation, and supervision. 

Kendra Onoh

Kendra Onoh

Kendra Onoh, Pharm.D. Candidate, is a fourth-year professional pharmacy student at St. Louis College of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. She received her bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis in Health Sciences through the college in 2019, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Onoh is currently the historian for Rho Chi Honor Society, Beta Kappa Chapter and the mental health chair for Student National Pharmacist Association. In addition to her pharmacy intern license, immunization certification, and basic life support training, Ms. Onoh has certificates for Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training, introductory compounding, and specialty compounding for individuals with autism. She currently works as a pharmacy intern as well as a writing center consultant. Additionally, she is the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and a research assistant to Dr. VanDyke. Their research team explored the impact of grit, engagement, atmosphere, and resilience on academic success. Ms. Onoh presented her award-winning research at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy Student Research Symposium and at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Virtual Poster Symposium.

Kelly Birmingham, PsyD

Kelly Birmingham PsyD

Kelly Birmingham-Watts is a Postdoctoral Resident with the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD).  Kelly uses evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat patients in the Intensive Outpatient Program, individual therapy, and Social Anxiety Exposure Group that she co-facilitates with Dr. VanDyke. She completed her Psy.D. requirements from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her Predoctoral internship with the St. Louis Psychology Internship Consortium.  Kelly’s clinical interests include co-occurring disorders centered around anxiety and over-controlled behaviors.  She has experience treating a wide variety of psychological disorders integrating cognitive-behavioral and somatic interventions.

Use of Website Blog Commenting

ADAA Blog Content and Blog Comments Policy

ADAA provides this Website blogs for the benefit of its members and the public. The content, view and opinions published in Blogs written by our personnel or contributors – or from links or posts on the Website from other sources - belong solely to their respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ADAA, its members, management or employees. Any comments or opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors only. Please remember that the open and real-time nature of the comments posted to these venues makes it is impossible for ADAA to confirm the validity of any content posted, and though we reserve the right to review and edit or delete any such comment, we do not guarantee that we will monitor or review it. As such, we are not responsible for any messages posted or the consequences of following any advice offered within such posts. If you find any posts in these posts/comments to be offensive, inaccurate or objectionable, please contact us via email at [email protected] and reference the relevant content. If we determine that removal of a post or posts is necessary, we will make reasonable efforts to do so in a timely manner.

ADAA expressly disclaims responsibility for and liabilities resulting from, any information or communications from and between users of ADAA’s blog post commenting features. Users acknowledge and agree that they may be individually liable for anything they communicate using ADAA’s blogs, including but not limited to defamatory, discriminatory, false or unauthorized information. Users are cautioned that they are responsible for complying with the requirements of applicable copyright and trademark laws and regulations. By submitting a response, comment or content, you agree that such submission is non-confidential for all purposes. Any submission to this Website will be deemed and remain the property of ADAA.

The ADAA blogs are forums for individuals to share their opinions, experiences and thoughts related to mental illness. ADAA wants to ensure the integrity of this service and therefore, use of this service is limited to participants who agree to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Refrain from transmitting any message, information, data, or text that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, that may be invasive of another 's privacy, hateful, or bashing communications - especially those aimed at gender, race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, religious views or disability.

Please note that there is a review process whereby all comments posted to blog posts and webinars are reviewed by ADAA staff to determine appropriateness before comments are posted. ADAA reserves the right to remove or edit a post containing offensive material as defined by ADAA.

ADAA reserves the right to remove or edit posts that contain explicit, obscene, offensive, or vulgar language. Similarly, posts that contain any graphic files will be removed immediately upon notice.

2. Refrain from posting or transmitting any unsolicited, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain mail," "pyramid schemes" or any other form of solicitation. ADAA reserves the right to delete these posts immediately upon notice.

3. ADAA invites and encourages a healthy exchange of opinions. If you disagree with a participant 's post or opinion and wish to challenge it, do so with respect. The real objective of the ADAA blog post commenting function is to promote discussion and understanding, not to convince others that your opinion is "right." Name calling, insults, and personal attacks are not appropriate and will not be tolerated. ADAA will remove these posts immediately upon notice.

4. ADAA promotes privacy and encourages participants to keep personal information such as address and telephone number from being posted. Similarly, do not ask for personal information from other participants. Any comments that ask for telephone, address, e-mail, surveys and research studies will not be approved for posting.

5. Participants should be aware that the opinions, beliefs and statements on blog posts do not necessarily represent the opinions and beliefs of ADAA. Participants also agree that ADAA is not to be held liable for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by sponsorship of blog post commenting. Participants also agree that ADAA reserves the right to report any suspicions of harm to self or others as evidenced by participant posts.

RESOURCES AND NEWS
Evidence-based Tips & Strategies from our Member Experts
RELATED ARTICLES
Block reference