Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles, CA

Few evidence-based therapies are more well known than a cognitive behavioral therapy program. It’s a popular choice for people who need to overcome addiction. It typically has quicker and longer-lasting results than other types of counseling. However, there are still a lot of other facts that people should know about this treatment method.

What Is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to help people create a clear idea of their own expectations, thoughts, and attitudes. In fact, cognitive comes from the Latin word “cognoscere,” which means “to recognize.”

During CBT, experts help individuals reveal distressing and false beliefs. They believe that these false beliefs cause negative behaviors, such as substance abuse. As a result, changing negative thinking patterns can change negative behaviors.

Over-generalizing is one example of negative thinking. When people over-generalize, they tend to exaggerate circumstances and draw false conclusions. For example, people might have a fight with loved ones and then say, “Everyone in the world hates me.” This statement is an exaggeration since they don’t know everyone in the world.

With that said, generalizing statements eventually evolve into self-fulfilling prophecies. Using the above example, people might stop trying to interact with others. They believe in their own mind that everyone hates them. Because of that, they don’t see a reason to hang out with anyone.