Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts? These thoughts can shape the way you feel and even influence your behavior in ways that may not serve you. In therapy, clients often share experiences like this—where their thoughts lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or frustration. When this happens, we often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into our sessions to help shift these patterns. CBT is a highly effective approach that has been shown to produce lasting results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. Fun fact: The father of CBT, Aaron Beck, was a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania! CBT can help individuals:

• Understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Identify negative thought patterns
• Challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts
• Improve problem-solving and goal-setting skills
• Develop coping strategies for managing stress and emotions

Let’s look at an example. Imagine you have a work event coming up. You’re worried that you won’t know what to say, that you’ll feel awkward, and that the event will go poorly. These thoughts lead to feelings of nervousness and anxiety, which might even cause you to skip the event altogether. Here’s where CBT comes in—what if we could challenge and reframe those thoughts? By shifting your mindset, you might feel more confident and open, which could change your experience for the better.

The key takeaway? You have the power to change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. And when you do, it can lead to real, positive change in your life!