Have you ever believed something that wasn’t true or helpful to you? Have you ever jumped to conclusions, had an exaggerated idea of a situation, or had an irrational reaction to a problem? As humans, we all experience these moments in our lives, and when we do it’s often because we have just experienced the repercussion of a cognitive distortion.

If you are familiar with CBT, you know that it’s an approach that has many applications and can benefit a range of mental health concerns. However, many people may not be aware of how CBT is useful for problems related to grief and loss.

Individuals who engage in self-criticism often adopt a perspective that is excessively harsh, both towards themselves and their surroundings. They tend to concentrate on their perceived weaknesses, past mistakes, and shortcomings, which can lead to a distorted self-image. This critical lens not only amplifies their flaws, but also obscures the positive qualities and achievements they possess.

Behavioral Activation is an essential skill within the realm of CBT that brings a refreshing and dynamic approach to combating depression. Think of it as your personal guide on a journey to rediscovering joy and motivation! This engaging and evidence-based therapy is designed to be structured and time-limited, making it not only effective but also manageable for those seeking relief from depressive symptoms.

CBT is viewed as the gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders. In fact, research shows this modality is up to 74% effective for people with anxiety. Evidence suggests that it’s possible to see lower levels of anxiety after just 8 sessions of CBT.

Concepts such as trigger identification, cognitive restructuring, and behavior modification help individuals simultaneously talk and work through feelings of unease in a measurable way. This article breaks these aspects of CBT down so you can understand how they can be used to manage symptoms of anxiety.