Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
My connection with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
During 2020-2024, Ι completed a 4-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provided by the The program includes theoretical training, practical experience, and regular supervision by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT) standards. I also receive ongoing clinical supervision from a certified CBT Supervisor, ensuring that my development as a therapist is well-guided and reflects best practices.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach developed by Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s. It focuses on the interrelationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping individuals understand and modify dysfunctional thinking and behavioral patterns. Scientific evidence from research and clinical practice demonstrates that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has strong efficacy in treating a variety of mental health difficulties.
According to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
- Our thoughts influence our emotions and behavior.
- Our behavior also influences our thoughts and feelings.
In essence, our thoughts, feelings, and behavior are strongly interrelated.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on how we process and interpret different situations. Often, the way we perceive an event can trigger a range of thoughts, some of which are unhelpful or irrational, known as “cognitive distortions.” These distorted thoughts, arising from our interpretation of the situation, can lead to distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviors. Dysfunctional behaviors, in turn, create additional negative thoughts, intensify the initial discomfort, and perpetuate the problem.
Here’s an example to illustrate the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors:
Let’s say X’s boss asks him to give a presentation at work (situation). X perceives the situation as threatening and has the following dysfunctional thoughts: “He assigned me this because he thinks I’m incompetent” and “I’m going to fail.” These thoughts reflect the cognitive distortion of “arbitrary inference,” where X assumes he knows what his boss is thinking and predicts failure despite having no concrete evidence. These thoughts lead to feelings of anxiety (emotion). As a result, X decides to skip work to avoid giving the presentation (behavior). However, this avoidance reinforces his anxiety and worsens his self-esteem over time, making it harder for him to handle similar situations in the future effectively.
How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work?
When facing a mental health challenge, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is applied to help you identify and change your unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
In therapy, we will use specific interventions to help you recognize your cognitive distortions and develop more functional ways of thinking. At the same time, we will focus on cultivating new, helpful behaviors and coping strategies. As your thoughts and behaviors shift, you will likely experience an improvement in your emotional well-being. Therapy aims to build a collaborative relationship in which you gain self-understanding, develop new, helpful ways of thinking and behavioral skills, and ultimately become capable of managing your well-being as if you were “your own therapist’”.
Sessions are organized with specific therapeutic goals established. Based on these goals, we apply particular techniques during our sessions and incorporate homework exercises for continued progress between sessions.
In therapy, we focus primarily on the psychological challenges impacting your present life while acknowledging that past experiences may shape these difficulties and can be explored when relevant.
In our sessions, I offer supportive therapy resources.
Mental health issues that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can help with
The following are common mental health challenges that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be effective in addressing:
- Anxiety, Panic
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Sleep problems
- Health problems (e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Headaches, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Personality Disorders
- Substance Use Problems
- Interpersonal Difficulties
- Anger management
- Grief
Resources on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Scientific evidence about the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Video on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
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For further information on how we can cooperate in the frame of psychotherapy, you can contact me:
