Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a well-known and widely effective treatment for anxiety. Hundreds of studies over the past 60 years have concluded that it is the number 1 treatment of choice for mild and moderate amounts of anxiety and useful with severe anxiety when combined with anti-anxiety medication. I have been practicing CBT for 45 years and was fortunate to learn from one of the founders of the CBT revolution Dr. Albert Ellis. He actually developed a system called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy about a year before Dr. Aaron Beck coined and popularized the approach know as cognitive behavior therapy. In my first session with clients I explain the ABC theory of Emotions and how our thoughts and beliefs largely impact our feelings and behaviors and that by changing our self-talk we can influence our moods and behaviors.
Cognitive behavior Therapy emphasizes the importance of our current thoughts and beliefs rather than dwelling on the unconscious, early childhood experiences and how we have come to think the way we do. The focus is on changing the current thoughts and beliefs that negatively impact feelings and behavior and how to correct unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more useful ways of thinking.
An common example is the fear of public speaking. Many people are extremely anxious when speaking in front of an audience and this can negatively impact their performance. In more extreme cases individuals will avoid public speaking completely, even if it causes a failing grad or one’s ability to get promoted at work. Using an ABC analysis, A=the activity “I need to speak in front of a group”, B=the beliefs “ What if I freeze and can’t remember my speech? I will be a failure. Others will think less of me” . This leads to the emotional consequence (C)= Anxiety. Once I help the client tease out that negative beliefs associated with their anxiety producing thoughts, I help them examine and challenge some of their assumptions which are generally false or exaggerated. The client learns how to recognize and challenge or dispute their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier and more rational thoughts. With repeated practice, the negative emotion lessens and the individual can more comfortably and effectively give their speech and increase their confidence over time.
Rather than taking years, this approach can help many individuals greatly reduce or eliminate their specific fears in a matter of months.
I am now providing Cognitive Behavior Therapy for anxiety and other conditions virtually throughout the States of Florida and Massachusetts. To learn more about how CBT might be of value to you or someone you know, you can view my website at www.cognitivetherapyfl.com. E-mail at drrobertheller@gmail.com or call 561 251-9768.
