Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has become a primary treatment of choice in many countries around the world. The benefits of this therapy are now being recognized in Israel and CBT is now used to treat a number of problems. CBT is a model that focuses on the link between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

 

How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work?

Typically, treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is focused on reducing a symptom that is troubling or affecting one’s functioning. This is done by discussing thoughts regarding the symptom and making behavioral changes to reduce its impact. Often this involves work done together with the therapist in sessions, and alone between sessions. Typical tools used in CBT include analyzing our thought process, exposure to anxiety producing stimuli and relaxation techniques. I choose to devote the initial sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teaching my clients about the cognitive and psychological development of their symptoms and the underlining philosophy of CBT so as that they can start implementing change independently.

 

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat anxiety

I have experience using CBT for a variety of symptoms with both adults and children. Specifically, I find it a valuable tool when dealing with anxiety, a symptom which affects a large number of people and has a crippling effect on personal and professional fulfillment. An advantage of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that it is a focused treatment which is effective in a short amount of time. The number of sessions that are needed to treat a specific problem change according to the individual, the symptom and the amount of time that one has suffered from it. I have found that often specific symptoms can be reduced profoundly within 8 sessions, leading to a significant reduction in distress, in other situations however therapy can take significantly longer. Often Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will be the treatment of choice and the only treatment required. In some situations however, I use it as a tool which I combine with other therapeutic approaches. In all cases this is something that I discuss with my client and together we come to a decision regarding the use of CBT.

 

Examples of problems that may be successfully treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy include:

• Panic attacks

• Inability to function in specific situations such as job interviews or public speaking

• Specific fears such as fear of injections, fear of flying, fear of spiders

• Unwanted compulsive behavior such as washing hands excessively or checking door locks

• Mood disorders