Today we have a blog post from one of our Master’s level interns, Grace Clibourn, about cognitive behavioral therapy. Grace finds it a great honor to walk alongside those who are experiencing hardship.
Her counseling approach is rooted in the sense of hopefulness, and therapy with her feels light, compassionate, and empowering. Understanding that life can be unpredictable; Grace creates an environment that is free of shame and built on a sense of peace.
She believes each person holds within themselves the ability to live a life full of meaning and purpose, no matter the symptoms they may be experiencing today. Grace believes that everyone deserves to have a place to let it out in the presence of someone who is safe, genuine, and caring.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was created in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist and
psychoanalyst. The basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the identification of thinking and behavioral patterns that are causing distress within the individual. Once someone is able to recognize these patterns, they are able to implement the kind of change that improves quality of life and the ability to cope with life’s challenges.
One of the pillars of CBT is the understanding of automatic thoughts. Automatic thoughts are just what they sound like, thoughts that come to people spontaneously and without filter. Automatic negative thoughts are huge a contributor to anxious and depressive symptoms, as well as ways of thinking that if we stop to take a look at them, may not even make a lot of logical sense.
What Happens in a CBT Therapy Session?
Therapists using CBT will listen to the client think through any life circumstance or challenge
that they are facing and help them analyze their thinking patterns and beliefs behind their
circumstances. They might ask questions like, “has that always been the case?” or “are there any other possibilities that you can see?”.
Our beliefs and thinking patterns are important because they are the lens through which we see
the world! They give insight into how our previous life circumstances have shaped and molded our minds, and what we should expect from ourselves, others and the world. Here’s some really good news- any thought or behavioral pattern that we have adapted to use that we no longer want to use, can change. That’s the power of therapy!
CBT Tool For You To Use Today
The CBT Triangle is a great way to start noticing our patterns. The CBT triangle is made up of
three corners: thoughts, emotions and behavior. These three elements play off one another, like ripple effects. Through the triangle, we can understand how our thoughts effect how we feel and
how we behave. The first step is noticing a thought and choosing to take a deeper look. How does this thought make me feel? What does this thought make me want to do?
If you are looking to connect with a therapist utilizing this therapeutic method, reach out to us
here at Anchored and we will match you with one of our amazing therapists utilizing CBT.
Affirmation: “I am not trapped inside my patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. I have the
ability to change things that no longer serve me.”
You Got This!
Grace
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615-510-3797 or contact us here.
