Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of many types of psychotherapy that can be used to help treat a mental health disorder. It is especially useful for helping teens become aware of negative thinking patterns and changing them to support more positive behavior. If you’d like to know more about our cognitive-behavioral therapy program in Idaho, call Imagine Boise today at 888.597.2807.
How Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Work?
CBT is recommended for treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including mental health disorders, coping with difficult life experiences, such as losing a loved one, overcoming emotional trauma like abuse, or managing the symptoms of a chronic illness. CBT may be combined with other treatments or used as a stand-alone therapy.
One of the reasons cognitive-behavioral therapy’s length of treatment is faster than other types of therapy is because it utilizes specific steps to achieve mental wellness through a goal-oriented approach.
Patients can learn to identify their challenges, become aware of any negative thinking or behavioral patterns that add to those challenges, and reshape their thought and behavior patterns to support the positive changes they wish to make.
CBT Length of Treatment
The length of CBT treatment varies according to each person, but it is considered short-term therapy. Most patients participate in five to 20 sessions.
Factors that influence the number of sessions a patient needs include:
- Type of mental health disorder or concern
- How long symptoms have lasted
- The severity of the symptoms
- Stress levels
- Support from family members and other significant people
Each person makes progress at their own rate. After an initial evaluation, the therapist and patient can discuss a treatment schedule and estimate the frequency and number of sessions that will be most beneficial.
4 Ways to Get the Most out of CBT
Following these four suggestions may shorten the length of CBT courses without sacrificing the quality of the therapy.
1. Be Open and Honest
The success of any type of therapy depends on the patient’s honest sharing of emotions, feelings, and experiences. When patients are reluctant to talk about pain or embarrassing situations, it slows the therapeutic process. Having a mental health professional who is experienced in working with teens and adolescents helps build the trust needed for effective CBT.
2. Do the Homework
The last thing most young people want is more homework, but the assignments given by a CBT therapist are essential to the process. Patients might be asked to keep a journal or perform specific activities between sessions. These assignments help reinforce the lessons learned during therapy and are an important part of the CBT experience.
3. Be Patient
While it is true that CBT length of treatment is faster than other types of therapy, that doesn’t mean you should expect miracles overnight. Many patients feel worse when they first begin any type of therapy because they are confronting the conflicts and painful situations in their lives.
For positive results, patients must stick to the treatment plan, which includes attending all scheduled sessions and completing homework assignments.
4. Evaluate Your Progress
If a patient is being honest and following the treatment plan, but they don’t feel results after several sessions, talking openly to their therapist is beneficial. The therapist may be able to alter treatment plans or find a therapeutic approach that is better suited to that patient’s specific needs. Sometimes, patients don’t realize they are making progress until they discuss their concerns with the therapist.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at Imagine Boise
Developing mental health awareness is the best way to spot any issues in a teen or adolescent. Left untreated, a mental health disorder can cause depression, anxiety, or even suicide in teens. However, many mental health issues affecting teens and adolescents respond well to therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. The CBT program at Imagine Boise is designed to help teens address the challenges that they are experiencing. Choose CBT from Imagine Boise to help your teenager recover and enjoy the healthy, happy life they were meant to live. Call Imagine Boise today at 888.597.2807 to learn more.