turnerwood
Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc.
Offices in Elk Grove and Online
​​​What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the #1 recommended psychotherapy by medical doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists worldwide.
CBT is the gold standard for evidence-based treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, anger management, phobias, chronic pain, and addiction.​
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We are here to help!
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Our therapists are "the CBT specialists" with thousands of hours of clinical experience and training.
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How does it work?
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CBT therapy involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that impact feelings and behaviors, learning coping skills to manage problems, and setting specific, achievable goals to reframe negative thinking into a more positive outlook.
Key aspects include becoming aware of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, recognizing and reframing unhelpful thinking, and developing practical skills for problem-solving and emotional regulation.
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The Core Principles
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Thoughts Influence Feelings and Behaviors: The central principle is that your perception of an event, rather than the event itself, causes your emotional and behavioral reactions.
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Focus on the Present: CBT primarily addresses current problems and symptoms, rather than focusing extensively on past experiences.
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Structured and Time-Limited: Therapy follows a structured plan and is typically a short-term treatment, often ranging from six (6) to 20 sessions.
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Collaborative Effort: The therapist and client work as a team to identify challenges, set goals, and develop strategies for change.
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Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency: A main goal is to equip clients with tools and skills to manage their symptoms independently and prevent relapse.
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Active Participation (Homework): Clients are expected to practice skills and complete assignments (e.g. thought records, behavioral experiments) outside of sessions to reinforce learning and apply it to daily life.
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Thought Records/Journaling: Clients write down upsetting situations, the automatic thoughts that occurred, associated feelings, and then evaluating evidence for and against those thoughts to develop a more balanced perspective.
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Behavioral Activation: Scheduling and engaging in activities that provide a sense of pleasure or accomplishment, especially for individuals experiencing low motivation or depression.​​​​
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