As a psychologist, the question I get most often when people find out my profession is "what's your specialty?" Typically, they're expecting me to say "kids" or "anxiety," but actually, my specialty is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. So I tell them! While it takes a little more work to explain than a simple, one-word answer, I secretly love getting to share more of the nuance of why I love what I do. At its core, CBT focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviors. By identifying and changing unhelpful patterns within this cycle, individuals can truly change their lives.
One of my favorite thing about practicing CBT is using the white board in my office to draw the CBT model out for a client, where they can visually see the patterns they have been experiencing. (Yes, we have white boards in our offices, but I promise, it is not like school!) Very often, when someone sees their experience captured in words and mapped out in a way that makes sense to them, it is the first powerful step toward change. If we can see the cycle, we can change it.
As someone who personally appreciates a plan, I also love CBT for its structured nature. While it is still "talk therapy" and focuses largely on developing a trusting, collaborative relationship with your therapist, it also typically involves setting specific goals and creating a step-wise plan for treatment. This goal-oriented approach also helps us to track their progress and stay motivated.
It is also amazing that CBT can truly be used across the lifespan. While many people may think that kids cannot benefit from CBT, it is simply not true. CBT can be tailored to their developmental level, using games, art, or storytelling to help understand the link between thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and their actions. It also works wonderfully for insightful adults, looking to uncover beliefs more core to them (we call these "core beliefs") that have influenced their experiences throughout their lives.
Lastly, I do appreciate CBT for its long-lasting results. This is both supported in the literature, and in our experience here at the practice. We teach skills to help people get better, and stay better! We build a toolbox that our clients can reach back into, even years later, to remind themselves of the tools and strategies that helped them when they were in therapy. When you truly do the work to restructure your thoughts and behaviors, work to identify your emotions and physical sensations, and apply coping skills that are optimal for you, you reap the rewards for years to come.
I could go on and on about the reasons I love CBT, but it is probably perfectly clear by the fact that I built an entire practice based on this philosophy (and its evidence-based siblings). If you haven't tried true CBT with a qualified therapist, I would strongly encourage you to do so! It might just change your life.
- Bridgette Atallah, PsyD, is the founder and director of San Clemente Psychological Services. She is an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and enjoys teaching the approach to her clients and her team alike.