CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is a contemporary form of psychotherapy that focuses on the “here and now”.  It tends to be briefer than traditional talk therapy because it is problem focused and goal oriented.  The patient is an active participant in the entire process leading to change.  The cognitive portion of therapy focuses on modifying self-defeating/unhealthy thinking.  The behavioral portion focuses on learning new, more adaptive behavioral skills.  Patients and therapists mutually agree on very specific, achievable goals to work on at the start of treatment.  Typically, patients are given homework assignments between sessions to practice and integrate newly acquired skills in real life situations.

Common CBT techniques include:

  • Relaxation Training
  • Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
  • Stimulus Control
  • Systematic Desensitization
  • Behavioral Activation
  • Somatic Awareness
  • Behavioral Rehearsal
  • Cognitive Reframing
  • Assertiveness Training
  • Time Management
  • Organizational Skills and Systems