Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Buffalo, NY

Let’s layout a scenario that we’ve all probably experienced at some point in our lives:

Your alarm didn’t go off, and now you’re late to work. Your socks don’t match, and you’ve already spilled coffee on your good shirt. And so, the self-beratement begins. 

You start beating yourself up in your internal dialogue: “I knew I shouldn’t have watched that third episode of Dateline last night. I can never resist one more. Now that I mention it, I’m a unilingual loser with zero discipline. And now, if I don’t get to work on time, I’ll get fired and won’t be able to foot the bills, and that’s really just one small step away from homelessness. But I deserve it. I mean, I should’ve gone to bed earlier.” 

Does this sound familiar? Almost all of those self-inflicted insults contain a cognitive distortion. Though they may seem harmless, our thinking patterns can wreak havoc on our mental health and overall outlook on life. Left unchecked, minor cognitive distortions can snowball until we wholly believe that we are worthless and bound for collapse at any moment and are better off giving up. 

This is no way to live. If harmful and destructive thoughts are ruining your sense of self, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. 

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is a very structured form of therapy. Sessions employ a formulaic approach to help patients recognize their inaccurate and harmful thought patterns. Harris Hill Counseling CBT patients will come away with a new awareness of what they think and why they believe it. With this knowledge, effective CBT allows you to approach challenging situations with a clear, rational mind and respond beneficially.

CBT’s chief characteristic is the ability to change people’s attitudes and behaviors by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes they hold. This is also known as the person’s cognitive process. CBT patients achieve an understanding of how these processes relate to the way they behave, how they deal with emotional problems, and, in some instances, what makes them abuse substances.

Who Should Seek CBT?

CBT is for anyone who believes that their thought patterns are toxic, and they desire to improve their outlook on life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also improve symptoms related to:

  • Substance use disorder
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Depression
  • General anxiety disorder
  • Phobias
  • PTSD
  • Sleep disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Bipolar depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sexual disorders

In some cases, CBT is used in tandem with other treatment modalities, depending on each client’s unique situation and issues presented.

Start Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Buffalo Today

Your thoughts don’t have to control you. Harris Hill Counseling is here to help. When you enter CBT with the mindset that you are a powerful force capable of adapting and evolving, you will already be on your way to setting negative thought habits aside, making room for a positive, worthwhile life.

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