Shoreline school psychologist Mrs. Rollins is sharing weekly tips designed to assist parents in addressing mental health challenges that may occur during middle school. This seven-part series examines widely practiced, evidence-based therapy approaches used by licensed professionals to help clients develop coping strategies and process challenges.
Tailored approaches for mental health
While various methods and frameworks exist, the appropriate approach for any person depends on their specific mental health needs, preferences, and goals.
Defining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a frequently used evidence-based talk therapy. It can address various mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, relationship problems, and other serious disorders. CBT may be utilized independently or alongside medication.
Core principles of the therapy
The core principles of CBT suggest that psychological problems stem from unhelpful behavior patterns and faulty or unhelpful thoughts. Through this therapy, individuals can learn better coping mechanisms to relieve symptoms and reach life goals.
Objectives of changing thought patterns
The primary objective of CBT involves changing an individual's thinking patterns to facilitate changes in behavior. This process includes identifying thought distortions and using evidence from reality to challenge those unhelpful patterns, focusing on a person's ability to change their own outcomes.
Structure and frequency of sessions
CBT sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes and occur either weekly or every other week, in either group or individual formats. These sessions generally focus on the present moment, using a person's psychological history only as context for current thought processes.
Factors affecting treatment duration
Treatment duration can range from six to twenty sessions, depending on the individual's commitment to change and the severity of their needs.
Participants often engage in homework to practice skills learned during sessions, such as practicing new coping behaviors or facing fears. While these exercises can improve overall life quality, they may initially cause increased anxiety or discomfort during the adjustment period.
