Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Charlotte, NC

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a method of psychotherapy that can be utilized for resolving a wide variety of mental health issues. For example, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with my patients around Charlotte, NC specifically in counseling for mental health and substance abuse concerns.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Charlotte, NC

I use CBT in this context because I’ve found it to be very helpful with patients dealing with addiction, as well as many other mental health obstacles. CBT can be a very powerful tool to help people overcome psychological dissonance in general. In fact, multiple studies have shown that CBT can be more effective than, or as effective as other types of psychotherapy or medications of a psychiatric nature. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on empowering people to learn the skills needed to essentially act as their own therapists self-sufficiently. A therapist and patient will work through session exercises and the individual will also do exercises on their own in their daily life. As a result, the patient can build coping skills that help them positively alter the way they think, behave, and handle emotions. 

What Can CBT Therapy Help With?

So you may ask, what can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy assist with? This method has been shown to offer patients positive outcomes in overcoming things like:  

• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Psychosis
• Anxiety Disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Alcohol and substance use concerns 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

CBT Therapy Techniques

This kind of treatment generally revolves around ways to alter the patterns of thinking. Treatment using cognitive behavioral therapy is usually tailored to the patients’ unique needs and personality, here are some ways in which this can be achieved:

• Training to help one recognize possible distortions in thought, distortions which may generate issues. Once these can be recognized, the patient can evaluate them in a new way within the context of reality
• Analyzing the motivations and behaviors of other people in order to grow a more comprehensive understanding as to why they act as they do
• Utilizing skills for problem-solving to help in dealing with tough situations
• Learning to build more confidence in the abilities of the patient

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Natalie Stainback 

When a person is recovering from substance abuse or other mental health concerns, using CBT can be helpful since relapses and other obstacles are often of a mental origin. As my patient, we will figure out what your triggers are and what thought patterns are being used in context to what you’re struggling with.

When people are working to overcome addictions or negative thinking habits, I work with them on an individualized basis as each situation is unique and requires a different approach. While CBT is not the only approach I use in substance abuse or mental health treatment, I have found it to be particularly effective. 

CBT allows us to challenge our thought patterns which can potentially change our mood and behaviors. Using the applicable techniques, we work together to give the patient useful tools so that they can manage emotions in a positive way, helping to prevent relapses and manage associated stress. Our strategy can also assist in making positive changes regarding career, personal relationships, health, and well-being if such life aspects have been negatively impacted.

Learn How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Near Charlotte, NC Can Help You

If you would like to learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, please book your initial consultation today.