Cognitive behavioral therapy, typically abbreviated as CBT, is a type of talk therapy that helps clients to change their thinking patterns. It is utilized to help people to work through a range of mental health conditions, but it is especially effective in treating addiction, depression, and anxiety disorders. If you are looking for cognitive behavioral therapy in Alpharetta, Emerge Healing Center is here to help you learn more about this valuable therapy option.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on delving into the way that a client thinks about themselves and their place in life. Identifying your existing thought patterns helps you to understand what is leading to negative or detrimental behaviors, such as substance abuse, avoidance of social situations, and more. Then, your therapist can help you to identify how your thoughts and behaviors influence your emotions.
From there, your therapist will work with you to replace these problematic thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones. They accomplish this using a range of techniques, which may include activities like journaling or thought records, guided talks, role-playing, relaxation or stress-relieving techniques, and more. Every client’s needs are different, which means that therapists will personalize treatment to suit individual needs.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
Often abbreviated as DBT, dialectical behavioral therapy is technically a more specific type of CBT. It is often utilized in cases where CBT has not been or is not expected to be, effective in helping with a client’s symptoms. It is best suited to people with borderline personality disorder, those with intense or extreme emotional reactions to certain triggers, and those who are dealing with suicidal thoughts.
DBT focuses on helping clients to feel validated about their feelings, but also learn how to better manage them. Your therapist will work with you to help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and actions. DBT sessions better address your lived experiences and your own personal truth. Over time, you will learn to recognize the things in your life that you have the ability to change, as well as the things that you must learn to accept as they are. DBT teaches you to cope with unpleasant emotions in a positive way so that you can still live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The Difference Between CBT and DBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy are similar in that they work to help clients who are overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions. They do, however, also have some differences as well. CBT works towards helping clients recognize and change unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors. DBT goes one step further by validating a client’s lived experiences, and their own personal truth. DBT also focuses heavily on changing rigid, negative thinking patterns, teaching clients that right and wrong aren’t always black and white and that there are things we must learn to accept as they are.
Is CBT or DBT Right For You?
While the differences between these two types of therapy may seem minimal, they are in fact very important when it comes to choosing which program is going to be right for you. If you are suffering from an addiction, depression, or mild to moderate anxiety disorder, then seeking cognitive behavioral therapy in Atlanta is most likely the best option for you. If, however, you are suffering from borderline personality, severe anxiety, or have very intense and uncontrollable emotional reactions to certain triggers, you are more likely to benefit from dialectical behavioral therapy.
Who Can Benefit from CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy in Atlanta can benefit a range of people who are looking to improve their mental and emotional well-being. At Emerge Healing Center, our therapists are highly trained in all aspects of CBT and have experience in using this scientifically-backed therapy option in assisting clients with a range of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleeping disorders
- Eating disorders
- Sexual disorders
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
- Chronic pain
- Coping with grief or loss
Even if you are currently participating in another type of therapy, CBT can be a valuable addition if you aren’t finding as much relief from your symptoms as you would like. CBT can also be utilized in conjunction with medications, as well as within an addiction treatment program.
Finding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy + Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Atlanta
Emerge Healing Center offers cognitive behavioral therapy in Atlanta in order to help our clients best address and overcome their mental health conditions. With the help of your therapist, you will learn to identify the problematic thoughts and behaviors that have a negative impact on your life, and how to replace them with healthier, more positive ones. Contact us today to learn more about our CBT program options, and let us help you to overcome your mental health symptoms so that you can lead a happier and more positive life.
