Cognitive Therapy

Back to home

Cognitive therapy is a short-term psychotherapy which emphasizes collaboration between client and therapist. More focused than many other types of treatment, the course of therapy usually is three to six months, depending on the individual. Psychological problems that require more treatment time are also effectively helped by the integrated use of cognitive therapy.

The term "Cognitive" (refers to thinking, perception, interpretations and meanings) is used because research has shown that many psychological disturbances are associated with habits in thinking, including distorted or biased beliefs about ourselves, the world around us, and the future. If left unchecked, these "automatic" thinking patterns often limit a person's perspective on life and may lead to an almost continuous experience of emotional distress. They interfere with creative problem solving and result in feelings such as hopelessness, depression, anxiety and relationship problems.

You and your therapist will be actively involved in identifying the specific thought patterns that may be giving rise to your problems. You may discover that you are "overlooking" possible solutions to problem situations. Reactions to your mood may further complicate your recovery. New research in the use of "mindful" techniques are options to enhance the therapy process. Your therapist also will help you learn how to change habitual maladaptive thinking and associated distressing emotional patterns and behaviors.