What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
While people are encouraged to turn to experts for mental health advice and services, we are aware of how common it is to get recommendations from friends and family, online forums, and the media. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as you remain open-minded and take the reliability of all sources into account.
When learning about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and deciding whether or not it’s right for you, it’s important to properly understand what this approach involves. Another essential aspect of this exploratory time is discussing any assumptions people may have about this approach. Most of the time, qualified professionals are best suited to answer your questions about CBT and similar approaches. That’s why this article will break down some myths about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and explain what it really consists of, who it’s best suited for, and what you can expect.
Myth: CBT is a quick fix for uncomfortable emotions
As with most forms of talk therapy and other mental health treatments, CBT aids in the long-term management of negative thoughts and feelings. In order to achieve lasting relief from difficult emotions, it is key to address them at their source. Negative or unrealistic beliefs and thought patterns are the root cause of many uncomfortable emotions. These lead to unhealthy behaviors and even more distressing emotions, which can make the thoughts difficult to break. If your treatment approach is designed for the short-term, it will only offer temporary relief from emotions while ignoring what causes them.
That being said, there are certain circumstances when ‘quick fix’ strategies are great. For example, deep breathing is a healthy, effective way to lower your heart rate in moments of high stress. When the body enters a calmer state, this sends signals to the brain that you are safe and your emotions reflect this sense of security. As part of CBT, individuals receive training on this and many more techniques that enable them to overcome uncomfortable feelings. By including long-term and short-term strategies, CBT is well-rounded and effective for many concerns.
Myth: CBT is only for people with diagnosed mental health conditions
One of the prevailing myths about mental health treatment as a whole is that you need to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from services. While some people who seek treatment do have these conditions, others may look to mental health professionals to receive a diagnosis or simply have wellness goals they would like assistance meeting. CBT and other forms of talk therapy are beneficial for anyone who wants to change their way of thinking, develop healthier habits, and lead a happier life. Therefore, not having a diagnosis should not hold anyone back from participating in this type of therapy. Individuals can seamlessly discuss the diagnostic process during their sessions, if they wish to do so, and learn about additional ways to manage their condition.
Myth: CBT is only for adults
CBT is a great mental health treatment for individuals of all ages. Originally, CBT was designed for adults, but has since been expanded for use with teenagers and children. There is evidence to support the use of CBT for adolescents and teenagers with depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more. Therapists make adjustments to their approach and goals based on the age (and other needs) of the individual they are working with. CBT for teenagers and children will address all of the same areas as traditional CBT does, including emotion regulation, social skills, problem-solving, communication, and the development of healthy coping strategies.
Myth: CBT does not address a person’s past
Many mental health treatments must at least partly look into a person’s past in order to be effective, and CBT is no exception. However, CBT does not aim to criticize someone for past actions, experiences, or their background. Therapists can learn what habits and behaviors individuals would like to change based on both past and present circumstances. CBT moreso acknowledges the impact someone’s past has had on them while facilitating their ability to make changes in the here and now. A therapist may find that some aspects of a person’s past worked well, so they may want to emphasize those factors to create success again. This is another important part of a well-rounded approach.
Myth: CBT blames you for your way of thinking
Some people may believe that CBT’s focus on positive thinking means therapists blame them for their own circumstances. This is not true. Instead, CBT often enables individuals to overcome guilt, shame, or self-blame for one’s feelings. CBT prompts individuals to assume different views of the world, themselves, and others. However, it’s more accurate to say that CBT assists in shifting those views to ones that are more realistic rather than positive. Above all else, therapists work with individuals to develop mindsets that work for them. This naturally looks different from person to person, but it does not entail blaming anyone.
Myth: CBT is best done in person
The mental health industry has evolved so much in recent years that many forms of treatment can be provided from the comfort of wherever the individual chooses. There is no evidence that supports the need for CBT to be performed in person. In fact, research shows that tools such as mobile health apps, patient messaging platforms, and remote treatment sessions can all be effective in allowing someone meet their mental health treatment goals. Therefore, the option to complete CBT in-person or remote is often left to personal preference and the availability or scheduling of the therapist.
Myth: CBT is not appropriate for trauma
CBT can be used to address symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and even some physical health conditions. Regardless of whether someone has a trauma-related condition such as PTSD or acute stress disorder, CBT remains sensitive to each individual’s needs. In fact, there is a modified version of CBT designed specifically for use with individuals who have a trauma history. So you can rest assured that your therapist will not only view your traumatic life experiences with care and concern, but will help you overcome the effects they’ve had on your life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers numerous benefits, making it a highly effective approach for many individuals.
Ready to explore how CBT can help you? Contact us today to schedule your first session!
References:
SonderMind. (2025). How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Helps with Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.sondermind.com/resources/articles-and-content/how-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-treats-anxiety/
Neale, J. (2024). 3 Myths About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/3-myths-about-cognitive-behavioural-therapy
Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (2024). “Is This All My Fault?”: Addressing the Myth that CBT Blames People for Their Problems. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer-professional/all-my-fault-addressing-myth-cbt
Beck Institute. (2023). Addressing CBT Myths: CBT is Superficial. Retrieved from https://beckinstitute.org/blog/addressing-cbt-myths-cbt-is-superficial/
Lazarus, C.N. (2013). Four Common Myths and Misconceptions About CBT. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/think-well/201304/four-common-myths-and-misconceptions-about-cbt
Zandieh, S., Abdollahzadeh, S. M., Sadeghirad, B., Wang, L., McCabe, R. E., Yao, L., Inness, B. E., Pathak, A., Couban, R. J., Crandon, H., Torabiardakani, K., Bieling, P., & Busse, J. W. (2024). Therapist-guided remote versus in-person cognitive behavioural therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 196(10), E327–E340. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.230274
Rathbone, A., Clarry, L., & Prescott, J. (2017). Assessing the efficacy of mobile health apps using the basic principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Systematic review. J Med Internet Res, 19(11):e399. DOI: 10.2196/jmir.8598