What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Does it Work?

The current pandemic is a stressful situation. With the constant anxiety, lack of information regarding the virus, and the increase in the number of cases per day, it is not unreasonable to note that mental health problems such as distress, anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, problems concentrating, lack of interest and appetite are common.

However, this is the 21st century and mental health struggles are not looked down upon the way they used to be. There’s no reason for anyone to suffer in silence and isolation. Therapists have begun offering their services online via video sessions, and one such therapy offered is CBT.

What is CBT?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used therapy to treat anxiety, depression, and various mood disorders.

CBT is essentially a form of talk therapy where you share your feelings, thoughts, physical sensations, and reactions as they are all connected to each other. The basic tenet of CBT is that negative thoughts and feelings can create a vicious and often self-destructive cycle. Unlike most other forms of therapy, CBT focuses on the present and how to deal with your current problems rather than the past.

Talking about your issues with a licensed therapist gives you a safe space to air your thoughts and feelings and work through them constructively. This happens by breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable chunks. It is ideal for improving your state of mind on a daily basis.

What can CBT be used for?

What happens during a session?

Ideally, CBT sessions happen either once or twice a week, with each session lasting from 30–60 minutes.

The therapist works with you to break down your thought processes and consequential behavior patterns. This helps you understand which thought processes are based in reality and those that may be exaggerated. Your therapist will also help you find ways to combat these negative thought cycles and practice self-talk.

How do I choose a therapist?

Dr. Mala Murlidhar is one of the many therapists who offer sessions online. Having done her Masters in Counseling and Psychotherapy, with a Ph.D. in Psychology, she is an extremely knowledgeable therapist who has both adults and adolescents as her clients.

With 14 years of experience under her belt, Dr. Mala understands the sensitivity needed to deal with people who may not have experience in accessing mental health resources. Well-versed in the basics of confidentiality, you can trust that she will be professional in her methods. Dedicated to helping others, Dr. Mala is a therapist you can open up to without fear of judgment and trust that she will see you through till the end.

Available on weekdays and currently at a discounted rate, Dr. Mala is focused on helping you break out from your destructive cycles and patterns and become a better, more well-adjusted person both during and after the pandemic.

How do I sign up?

The best part about CBT, and therapy in general, is that you don’t need to suffer from a disorder or tick all the boxes in the APA checklist to gain the most from therapy.

Click on the link below to sign up!

Learn the Art of Happiness with Dr. Mala

Originally published at https://spark.live on June 10, 2020.