Basically everyone will experience times of failure and sorrow throughout their lives. Tough times are a natural part of life. Although rough patches are normal, they can often put one’s mental health in jeopardy. If mental health begins to suffer and is left untreated, serious conditions can develop and cause long-term issues.
Many of us have behaviors that we wish we could eliminate. From excessive anxiety to disordered substance use, there are countless maladaptive behaviors that can lead to serious problems. Luckily, due to the successes of today’s technology, there is a wide range of available online resources that can help stop you from engaging in undesirable behaviors.
As the first step in your pursuit to eliminate unwanted behaviors, it may prove helpful to read articles written by mental health professionals. Self-help articles can introduce different methods of abstaining from poor behaviors and inspire you to live a healthier life.
However, many times more assistance is necessary.
Getting your behavior back on track can be very difficult, but attending therapy sessions with a licensed therapist can help greatly. Therapists can help their patients gain a greater understanding of their behaviors and thought processes while teaching ways to avoid or manage these behaviors.
Traditionally, therapy has taken place in a therapist’s office. However, in the age of technology, there is a range of mental health treatment options available online. Patients can choose to talk with licensed mental health professionals online without even leaving their homes.
This article will work to provide a definition of cognitive-behavioral therapy and determine the effectiveness of this therapy method in an online format. If you would like to read self-help articles or want to start the process of finding an online therapist, try visiting: https://www.mytherapist.com/advice/therapists/. MyTherapist is a trusted online mental health provider that helps people with their mental health struggles.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment that has been proven effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, substance abuse, depression, marital disharmony, eating disorders, and several other mental illnesses. Therapy can help many people who are struggling, not only those with a diagnosed mental illness.
CBT is a psychological and social intervention that strives to change cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors while improving control over emotions. Additionally, the development of coping mechanisms is emphasized to aid in problem-solving.
Many patients who undergo CBT have shown significant improvement in their quality of life metrics, as has been reported in a large number of studies. In fact, many studies have reported that CBT is just as effective, and in some cases is more effective, as other types of therapy or treatments.
CBT is predicated on years of research and clinical utilization; its effectiveness has been proven repeatedly. This is different from many other forms of psychiatric intervention, which tend to be more speculative in nature.
How does CBT Work?
CBT actively attempts to alter thought processes and patterns. Among the many strategies employed, the following serve as a small sampling:
- Teaching patients to recognize maladaptive thinking that leads to issues and then reassess these thoughts through clear eyes.
- Providing patients with a greater understanding of other people’s feelings and emotions.
- Teaching coping and problem-solving skills.
- Encouraging confidence and beliefs of self-efficacy.
- Forcing patients to face their fears.
- Utilizing relaxation techniques to calm patients.
- Engaging in role-play scenarios to simulate problem situations.
- Working collaboratively with patients to encourage participation in at-home homework assignments.
Many of the CBT strategies mentioned above can be performed in an online format, but there are a few that require in-office intervention. Virtual sessions with a therapist, particularly video calls or, less commonly, audio calls and texting, can employ most of these strategies as easily as an in-office visit.
Make the treatment decisions best for you and your condition so that you may start on your journey to better mental health.
About the Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with MyTherapist.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.