Therapy To Identify Harmful Patterns and Restore Healthy Functioning
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy or talk therapy with strong, documented outcomes for psychiatric disorders that range from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders, and eating disorders, as well as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.[1]
CBT can be administered in individual and group therapy sessions that last approximately one hour with a Licensed Clinical Health Worker (LCHW), therapist, clinician, or psychiatrist. At Engage Wellness, our cognitive behavioral health sessions take place at our modern and comfortable facility in Saint Louis.
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy, and this is especially true when you or a loved one is in the process of recovery. We understand this dynamic of the human experience and offer holistic, effective treatment with CBT.
How (and Why) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works
Some forms of psychiatry and therapeutic mental health treatment focus on events of the past and dealing with the emotions and experiences that result from those events. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a more practical, hands-on approach and a common-sense model that explores the relationship between the mind, the emotions, and the resulting behaviors to improve overall well-being.[2]
One of the core principles of CBT for addiction is that toxic and addictive substances that carry a high potential for dependence reinforce these harmful patterns[3]. Other core elements of CBT include incentives and contingency management, coping skill building, and facilitating recreational and experiential activities.
At Engage Wellness, CBT is one of the many evidence-based treatments we offer as part of our outpatient treatment programs. After an initial evaluation, clients are prescribed an individualized treatment plan to determine what therapies are a good fit. In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy, treatment plans may include medication-assisted treatment, family therapy, 12-step programs, and more.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Addiction Treatment
A number of medical studies reveal the documented effectiveness of CBT, both for substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. So many that it is regarded as one of the top-researched therapeutic treatments in healthcare today.
CBT techniques start at the root of harmful patterns of substance use and psychological disorders and systematically break down those patterns, from the inside out. Some dysfunctional patterns addressed by CBT include cognitive distortions, catastrophizing, and underlying negative beliefs.[4] Additionally, one study shows that 58% of clients who receive CBT therapy fare better than those who don’t participate in those sessions.[5] It’s also been revealed that CBT is even more effective when paired with medication-assisted treatment.
What to Expect from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In St. Louis
Your first CBT therapy session will be to determine your recovery goals and gain a foundation for independence in treatment. Ongoing sessions may vary slightly and are customized to individual needs, but are structured according to a distinct format. Most CBT sessions will follow the following format:[6]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in St. Louis at Engage Wellness
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions are offered as part of every level of care here at Engage Wellness. CBT can be administered in both individual and group therapy sessions, and its application will be prescribed based on individualized treatment plans. Treatment plans are assigned after an initial evaluation, proctored by our admissions team and our clinicians, to determine the best approach to treatment and prescribe CBT as part of the following treatment options:
