How can cognitive behavioral therapy help you?

What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?

It avoids hierarchical relationships and builds a partnership between the psychologist and the client. Here, both of you are equals, and both of you put your own work into the process. In recent years, this therapeutic approach has also played a big role in couples therapy, as behind dysfunctional relationship interactions we often find cognitive distortions ("My partner never appreciates any of my efforts") and relationship beliefs ("They are jealous, so they must really love me"). All of these patterns can be changed by learning the cognitive therapy mindset. 

What does this mean in practice?

Our thoughts create feelings. These feelings determine how we behave, and then our behavior generates thoughts and feelings in us all over again. However, in many cases, these thoughts go astray and completely miss reality—meaning they are dysfunctional, do not serve us, and put our mental well-being at risk. Under the influence of dysfunctional thoughts, we produce so-called maladaptive (ineffective, poorly adapting) behaviors, which can turn areas of our lives—like our sex life, relationships, or opinion of ourselves—in a negative direction.

The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help you change these dysfunctional ways of thinking and behaving, which in turn leads to positive changes in your mood and behavior.

How can this set of tools help you?

• You will develop the ability to monitor yourself, making you more aware of both your own inner workings and how the world around you works.

• You can reshape your view, opinions, and thoughts about things that hold you back in your daily life.

• You will develop new attitudes, which will help you interpret information and stimuli from the world differently. As a result, you will react differently, act differently, and feel different, too! 

This therapeutic approach is highly engaging, exciting, and versatile, making it a perfect fit for tackling everyday anxieties. It is incredibly effective in treating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, phobias, sexual difficulties, low self-esteem, stress, and general life roadblocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I need therapy with this method?

This is a relatively short and goal-oriented method, so depending on your specific situation, you can often feel a lasting improvement in your life after just 10 to 20 sessions.

Do I really get homework in CBT?

Yes, but these are practical, everyday tasks designed to help you apply and reinforce the insights you and your therapist work on together during your sessions.

Do we only focus on my current thoughts, or do I need to talk about my childhood too?

While the main focus is on solving your current challenges, we will briefly look at your past too. This helps you understand where those deeply rooted beliefs holding you back today actually come from.

What if I can't put my negative thoughts into words?

Don't worry at all! Your therapist will use gentle questions and helpful techniques to help you unpack and identify the automatic thoughts causing those heavy feelings.