What Is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist?
How I Use CBT
“I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients talk through what they most desire, what may be interfering with their success, and what their goals are. I combine CBT with Person-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to create a warm, accepting partnership where clients can speak openly and honestly. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, develop practical tools for change, and move toward the life they want to live.”
What Does a CBT Therapist Do?
Focuses on the present:
CBT primarily focuses on the challenges you are facing today and how they are affecting your day-to-day life. Understanding your personal history can be important, but the emphasis is on moving forward and developing healthier, more effective ways of coping with life.
Encourages practice between sessions:
A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) therapist is a licensed mental health professional who uses CBT to help people recognize and change unhelpful patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Change takes practice. Your therapist may suggest exercises or strategies to try between sessions so you can apply what you are learning to real-life situations. These might include noticing thought patterns, practicing new ways of responding, or trying a different approach to a challenging situation.
Teaches practical skills:
CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach. Your therapist can help you learn tools and strategies to manage stress, face fears, challenge unhelpful thoughts, improve relationships, and work through problems more effectively.
Works as a team:
Therapy is a partnership. You and your therapist work together to identify what you want to change, establish meaningful goals, and monitor your progress—at a pace that is appropriate for you.