
Learning and practicing techniques such as relaxation, coping, resilience, stress management and assertivenessĪt your first session, your therapist will typically gather information about you and ask what concerns you'd like to work on.Learning about your mental health condition.Online resources are available that may make participating in CBT possible, especially if you live in an area with few local mental health resources. What you can expectĬognitive behavioral therapy may be done one-on-one or in groups with family members or with people who have similar issues. The key is to find a skilled therapist who can match the type and intensity of therapy with your needs. Ask whether the therapist has expertise and experience treating your symptoms or your area of concern, such as eating disorders or PTSD. Make sure that the therapist you choose meets state certification and licensing requirements for his or her particular discipline. Medical doctors who specialize in mental health (psychiatrists) can prescribe medications as well as provide psychotherapy. Most have a master's or doctoral degree with specific training in psychological counseling. Trained psychotherapists can have a number of different job titles, depending on their education and role.
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Examples of psychotherapists include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, or other licensed professionals with mental health training.īefore seeing a psychotherapist, check his or her: Psychotherapist is a general term, rather than a job title or indication of education, training or licensure. While you can also sort this out with your therapist, having some sense in advance may provide a starting point. Before your first appointment, think about what issues you'd like to work on.

Also, talk to your therapist about fees and payment options.

Some health plans cover only a certain number of therapy sessions a year. If you have health insurance, find out what coverage it offers for psychotherapy. Or you can find a therapist on your own - for instance, through a local or state psychological association or by searching the internet. Many employers offer counseling services or referrals through employee assistance programs (EAPs). You can get a referral from a doctor, health insurance plan, friend or other trusted source. Or a doctor or someone else may suggest therapy to you. You might decide on your own that you want to try cognitive behavioral therapy. The coping skills you learn can help you manage and conquer negative feelings and fears. However, working with a skilled therapist will minimize any risks. This can lead to temporary stress or anxiety. Some forms of CBT, such as exposure therapy, may require you to confront situations you'd rather avoid - such as airplanes if you have a fear of flying. You may cry, get upset or feel angry during a challenging session. This is because CBT can cause you to explore painful feelings, emotions and experiences. But you may feel emotionally uncomfortable at times. In general, there's little risk in getting cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, CBT is most effective when it's combined with other treatments, such as antidepressants or other medications. Mental health disorders that may improve with CBT include: Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence.

Resolve relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate.Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations.Treat a mental illness when medications aren't a good option.Prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms.It generally requires fewer sessions than other types of therapy and is done in a structured way.ĬBT is a useful tool to address emotional challenges. It's often the preferred type of psychotherapy because it can quickly help you identify and cope with specific challenges. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues.
