Description of the Procedure
You may receive CBT in one-on-one therapy sessions or in a group format.
CBT can be divided into two parts:
functional analysis
and
skills training
.
Functional Analysis
You and your therapist will identify stressful situations. You will also determine the thoughts that lead to or worsen these situations. These thoughts will then be analyzed to see if they are realistic and appropriate. For example, your therapist may point out negative thought patterns, such as “I cannot handle this” or "people are laughing at me.”
Skills Training
Next, your therapist guides you to reduce unhealthy ways of thinking and to learn healthier ways. Instead of thinking “I cannot handle this,” you will learn to draw on your strengths: “I have handled difficult situations before, so I can handle this one.”
You will also learn to ask more questions about yourself before making a conclusion. For example, “Could those people be laughing at something other than me?” The goal is to replace irrational thought patterns with better ones.
Skills training takes a lot of practice. You will often be given “homework.” You might practice deep-breathing exercises or role-play how to act in certain social situations. For example, a person dealing with substance abuse might practice ways to decline an alcoholic drink.
Homework is vital to the success of CBT. You must practice new, rational responses until they replace your previous, unhealthy responses. Homework also allows you to try new skills. You will then be able to give feedback on which works best for you.
How Long Will It Take?
The length of an individual session is usually 50-100 minutes. Group sessions may last longer. Treatment sessions may occur 1-2 times per week for 12-16 weeks.
This is a general guideline. Depending on your situation, treatment may be longer or shorter. Keep in mind that it may take several tries to unlearn poor habits and to learn healthy ones.
Post-therapy Care
You may be given homework between sessions. You will need to practice the strategies you and your therapist have discussed.
Some therapists advise that you return for a check-up about three, six, and twelve months after therapy has ended. In addition, you may call your therapist whenever the need arises.