What Are the Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Orange County, CA?

We all deal with thoughts or feelings that are negative, limiting, unproductive, or even harmful. It can be difficult to deal with these thoughts, especially if they occur on a regular basis. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in Orange County, CA can help in those situations. CBT is a type of therapy that is effective in treating mental health and substance abuse issues. It is offered by the clinical team at South Coast Behavioral Health as part of our therapy programs. When used in conjunction with other evidence-based and holistic therapies, CBT plays a large role in effective treatment in Orange County, CA.

Here’s how CBT helps people overcome their struggles with mental health and addiction.

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy used in mental health. It is grounded in the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that altering negative thought patterns and behaviors can change how we feel. CBT is a structured, short-term, goal-oriented therapy that aims to identify and challenge unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, develop personal coping strategies, and solve current problems.

CBT is evidence-based and has been extensively researched. It is effective for a wide range of mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and many others. It is also a valuable tool for co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. In many cases, those who struggle with issues like anxiety or depression may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate and feel better. In that case, the treatment team at South Coast uses a form of treatment called dual diagnosis, which treats both issues at the same time. CBT is a primary therapy used in dual diagnosis treatment.

The therapy is based on the idea that many psychological problems are partly due to faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. Therapists work with individuals to help them identify these patterns so that they can develop better coping skills and strategies.

For those in Southern California seeking CBT, cognitive-behavioral therapy in Orange County, CA is an option.

How Does CBT Work?

CBT operates on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. The main idea is that changing negative thought patterns, speech, or behavior starts with replacing them with a more positive outlook. When your thinking shifts to a more positive mindset, it improves your feelings and behavior. The chart below shows the interconnected nature of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

A standard cognitive-behavioral therapy session can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. The first step is to identify negative thought patterns. These negative patterns can involve anything: thoughts about yourself, your friends and family, your job, and anything else in your life. In some cases, these negative thoughts can cause someone to feel anxious or depressed. Some may practice avoidance to better cope with negative thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately, that can lead to social isolation, which in turn can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Your therapist is instrumental in helping you identify specific negative thought patterns that lead to mental health issues and, often, substance abuse. Once you’ve identified negative thinking, your therapist will teach you how to positively challenge those thoughts. Coping skills, or techniques used to replace negative thought patterns, are a key tool for anyone undergoing CBT in Orange County, CA. These skills are vital for challenging your negative thoughts outside of treatment.

What Mental Health Disorders Does CBT Therapy Treat?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment approach. It is used for a wide array of mental health disorders. Its adaptability and emphasis on coping strategies make it beneficial for treating various psychological issues.

Here’s a list of some of the mental health disorders CBT is commonly used to treat, along with explanations of how it helps:

• Depression: CBT helps depression by teaching people to challenge negative thought patterns, enhance problem-solving skills, and engage in enjoyable activities. It addresses pessimistic views and self-criticisms that contribute to hopelessness and replaces them with realistic beliefs.
• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias can also benefit from CBT. It teaches coping skills to manage overwhelming worry and fear.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is a treatment for OCD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to their fear or obsession in a controlled manner to reduce anxiety and compulsive behaviors.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): CBT techniques for PTSD like exposure therapy can help individuals gradually confront and process thoughts and memories of trauma. It also helps to change how they perceive the traumatic event.
• Eating Disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder can benefit from CBT by addressing distorted beliefs about body image, weight, and food.
• Substance Use Disorders: CBT assists in recognizing triggers for substance use, developing coping strategies to manage cravings, and learning skills to avoid relapse.

CBT’s effectiveness across these disorders is due in part to its focus on the here-and-now, practical problem-solving approach. It helps develop coping strategies that can be applied to various situations. By empowering individuals with the skills to change their thought patterns and behaviors, cognitive behavioral therapy in Orange County, CA, facilitates lasting improvements in mental health and well-being.