Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach based on the idea that a person’s emotions and thoughts are responsible for how they behave and feel. Other types of therapy may examine events that took place in the past. A cognitive-behavioral therapy program places more emphasis on what is happening in the present.
The therapy can show adolescents how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. CBT can help with learning to turn negative thought patterns into positive ones. Making it easier to improve mental and emotional health, overcome behavioral disorders, and accomplish goals. At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, our therapists implement evidence-based CBT techniques to help adolescents and young adults navigate through difficult feelings and challenges in their lives. To learn more about our adolescent therapy programs, call 855.940.6229 today.
Examining the Core Principles of CBT for Adolescents
The method is a very effective treatment for adolescents suffering from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain, and anxiety disorders. CBT is also known to help manage many other mental health issues. Research suggests that a cognitive-behavioral therapy program is just as effective, if not more, than other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
At MCAW, our cognitive-behavioral therapy program offers teens the skills needed to build a healthy foundation. We understand emotional and behavioral challenges’ impact on the entire family. We have developed a comprehensive day program to support teens and their families as they find their path to better mental health. If your teen struggles with mental health, enroll them today at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness.
The Benefits of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a popular treatment option for trained mental health professionals because it can provide fast, highly effective results for all ages.
Benefits of CBT can include:
- Experiencing a personalized therapy session meant to treat specific mental and behavioral issues
- Learning more about how thoughts can impact feelings and behavior
- Receiving helpful tools and strategies that may help resolve problems, accomplish goals, and eliminate or reduce symptoms
- May complete treatment faster than with another type of therapy
The benefits of CBT for teens are similar to those experienced by adults. However, teens may find CBT even more beneficial because it can help them develop resilience and coping skills at a crucial stage in their lives.
How Our CBT Program Works
CBT is based on the belief that when experiencing an event, it can activate a thought that may be negative, irrational, or distorted. Typically, the thought pattern is automatic and occurs frequently enough that it may become a deep-seated belief over time. These patterns can impact feelings in the moment or reactions to situations.
Dealing with Cognitive Distortions
The first step of any cognitive-behavioral therapy program usually involves investigating whether cognitive distortions are present. If they are, therapists will begin by teaching how to re-frame thoughts.
Examples of cognitive distortions that harm mental and emotional well-being over time can include:
- Catastrophizing – Immediately jumping to the worst possible conclusion with minimal information
- Overgeneralizing – Making a broad assumption about something from limited personal experience
- Dismissing – Simply discounting or dismissing all the positive aspects that are currently happening in life
- Emotional reasoning – Making conclusions about something based only on an emotion at the time
- Labeling – Assigning negative labels based on one bad experience in the past
- Blaming – Blaming others for feelings instead of taking accountability
- “What if” – Constantly ruminating and asking “what if” questions almost every day
- Negative filtering – Hyper-focusing on faults or the negative aspects of life and ignoring the positive
- Mind reading – Assuming that they can read people’s thoughts and project their insecurities, they believe others have a generally negative opinion of them
- Fortune-telling – Predicting something negative or catastrophic will happen in the future
- Dichotomous thinking – Black or white thinking or being unable to see the nuances in people or situations
- Unable to disconfirm – Rejecting any evidence that may contradict any negative beliefs
Tools of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program
It’s not uncommon for one negative thought to have a domino effect. This domino effect can cause feelings to worsen more than they should about a situation. The thought patterns can also lead to displays of destructive behaviors that may cause harm to themselves or other people. When left unchecked, a negative thinking pattern can have very poor consequences on the overall quality of life.
Once the cognitive distortions are identified, the mental health professional can show how to do the following during their treatment sessions:
- Facing inner fears
- Interrupting reoccurring negative thought patterns as soon as possible
- Reevaluating the negative thoughts objectively before affecting feelings or behaviors
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive or neutral thoughts
- Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others
- Improving self-confidence
- Using tools and problem-solving skills to better cope with difficult situations
- Calming down and regulating emotions
These are just some of the tools that can be utilized in a cognitive-behavioral therapy program. Each individual may have different needs, and therefore, their treatment plan will be tailored specifically to them. The ultimate goal is to equip individuals with the skills and strategies to manage their negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a healthier way.
Mental and Behavioral Conditions That Can Be Treated Using CBT
CBT can help treat or improve a wide range of mental health and behavioral concerns, including:
- Substance use
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anger and aggression
- Anxiety disorders and phobias
- Behavioral issues
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Fatigue
- Grief
- General stress
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Panic attacks
- Trauma
Contact Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness for Help Finding a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program in Massachusetts
At Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, we specialize in offering cognitive-behavioral therapy services in Massachusetts specifically for adolescents. Our highly experienced mental health professionals are passionate about providing the best treatment for adolescents.
We work with adolescents who may be struggling with behavioral and emotional concerns. Together, we can give them the tools that will empower them to improve their life. Our primary aim is to support teens through our therapies as they start living the life they have always imagined.
Contact us today at 855.940.6229 to learn more about our CBT services. One of our team members would be happy to provide more detailed information about all our mental health services.
