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.
Why choose Rush for CBT
- The Cognitive Therapy Center is a component of the Department of Psychiatry at Rush. The center offers evaluation and treatment for people suffering from a variety of psychological problems and psychiatric disorders.
- The Department of Psychiatry at Rush was a pioneer in the combined use of cognitive therapy and pharmacologic treatment.
- The Cognitive Therapy Center team includes an expert in child and adolescent psychiatry who specialize in helping kids overcome a wide range of disorders.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapies offered at Rush are evidence-based treatments, which means that their effectiveness is supported by the results of scientific research.