Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy as it is more commonly called today, is an active, structured form of psychotherapy based on the idea that the way a person views the world has a major influence on his or her emotions and behavior. 

How does cognitive-behavioral therapy work?

Cognitions (thoughts or mental pictures) are based on beliefs and assumptions developed from previous experiences. Dysfunctional cognitions often lead to unpleasant feelings and problematic behavior. A variety of cognitive and behavioral strategies are used to do the following:

• Recognize the connection between automatic thoughts, emotions and behavior
• Replace dysfunctional beliefs with more rational and adaptive ideas
• Learn new tools for dealing with stressful situations

Which conditions are treated with CBT?

Specialists at Rush use cognitive-behavioral therapies to address a number of psychiatric problems and psychological disorders, including the following:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
  • Agoraphobia
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Specific phobia
• Hoarding disorder
• Insomnia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Skin picking disorder
• Trichotillomania

Some patients are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy alone. Others are treated with a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.