The 7 benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; is a type of solution focused psychotherapy used to analyse the relationship between behaviour, thoughts, and feelings. Unlike other forms of psychotherapy in which the patient reflects upon their thoughts and feelings with the therapists as a guide, in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy the patient and therapist work together actively in order to heal. This method is used to treat a variety of mental disorders including anxiety disorders, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is problem focused and action based. It is often viewed as a rigorous form of therapy because there is a great deal of work and self reflection that comes with it; however, it is also an extremely beneficial form of therapy.
Benefit #1: Support
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provides a support network for people recovering from mental disorders. Since it is action-based, patients know they have someone to turn to as they work through their problem. Knowing that there is someone interested in them and their recovery allows patients to work toward changing negative behaviours.
Benefit #2: Raises Self-Esteem
For many people, low self-esteem is at the root of their disorder. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy allows patients to build self-esteem by focusing on problems and working toward the solution. As patients find answers their belief in themselves grows and they are able to conquer the disorder.
Benefit #3:Creation of Positive Thought
With many mental disorders, negative thought patterns emerge and take over the life of the patient. Negative thinking becomes automatic with many patients. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy teaches patients how to turn negative thoughts into positive, realistic ones.
Benefit #4: Anger Management
Controlling one’s anger and learning to direct anger is a major issue with the mentally ill patient. Patients feel guilt and shame and these feelings turn into anger at the world. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy addresses the underlying issues that allow emotions to become overwhelming. It teaches patients various methods to help control emotional responses and to assist them in recognising the reasons behind the anger.
Benefit #5: Better Communication Skills
Maintaining relationships is difficult when suffering from depression, addiction, and social anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps patients to learn how to communicate their feelings to others without becoming anger or feeling shame.
Benefit #6: Coping Skills Improve
The cause of many disorders is an inability to cope with stressful situations such as grief or trauma. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provides patients avenues to deal with such situations. They learn to express themselves instead of bottling things up.
Benefit #7: Relapse Prevention
Patients suffering from mental disorders often relapse. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provides patients with the tools they need to prevent relapses. Because patients have learned to identify their problems and learned coping methods, they are better equipped to recognise the thought patterns they need to avoid.
This is not to say that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy provides instant success. It is short term and it requires hard work, but the benefits of it are worth it all.
The NHS has a great web page on CBT, feel free to check it out… https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/
