Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, typically comes to mind when people imagine research-driven treatment. Our thoughts, feelings and behaviors all interact with one another. For example, if I have an experience of pain in my lower back I might have the thought: ‘This pain is killing me, I can’t do anything.’ The thought leads to staying in bed all day, which in turn increases frustration and anxiety. By altering our thoughts, changing our behaviors, or altering our emotions we interrupt this vicious cycle. For example, when that lower back pain hits the same automatic thought will arise and we can choose to say to ourselves: ‘This pain hurts, and I know how to handle it so I can still do what is important to me.’ This allows us to engage in meaningful behaviors with family and friends and turn down the frustration and anxiety to a manageable level. It also allows for more positive emotions like love and joy. CBT has been found to be effective for a number of disorders including anxiety, trauma, OC-spectrum disorders, all of which I have experience treating. I am also certified in a specific type of therapy called CBT for Chronic Pain.

If you are interested in learning more about CBT you can visit the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies here.