Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy that recognizes the interplay between our thoughts, moods, physical reactions and behaviors based on our perceptions of the world around us. People can have a wide variety of reactions to the same event as a result of their thinking patterns, genetic composition and life experiences. For example, a long wait in line at the grocery store may give one person the chance to read a magazine, while another fumes and feels slighted. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy explores these thoughts and beliefs that drive our moods, actions and reactions to our environment and provides methods to revise dysfunctional thinking patterns.
CBT is effective because it addresses both the cognitive and behavioral components of one’s life. The cognitive component takes into account the thinking patterns that lead to and worsen symptoms of mood disorders like anxiety and depression and also can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD and executive dysfunction. When faced with a seemingly overwhelming task, the organizationally challenged person may think, “ I can’t do this,” or “I will do this later.” Such negative self-talk can lead to shame and low self-esteem, which further reduces the chances of success through maladaptive behaviors. The goal of CBT is to restructure the thought to encourage adaptive thinking and to back it up with behavioral changes such as establishing an organizational system along with methods of reinforcement to help maintain the new habit.
Who can benefit from CBT?
- People suffering from mood disturbance like anxiety, depression, guilt and shame
- People with ADHD and organizational challenges that lead to chronic underperformance
- People suffering from an inability to devise and follow through with a course of action
CBT can help you to:
- Identify patterns of negative thoughts and self defeating attitudes
- Utilize methods to challenge and reframe unhelpful thinking
- Develop flexibility in devising action plans
- Overcome inertia
- Devise strategies to manage procrastination, avoidance and distractibility
- Reduce stress