What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a contemporary psychotherapy that has been developed based on scientific findings in the field of psychology and psychopathology (psychiatric disorders) and has been introduced with the application of scientific principles to psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on scientific principles and learning theories that use verbal and behavioral methods to solve mental disorders. The efficacy of this treatment method has been scientifically tested and has been shown to be effective in many mental disorders with hundreds of clinical trials.

The treatment practices of cognitive therapy, which is different from other psychotherapies, are structured as process and content. First of all, it focuses on one’s current problems, more limited time, and more problem solving.

Cognitive Behavioral therapy not only solves the current problems of the applicants but also teaches specific skills that they can use to solve their problems throughout their lives. These skills identify distorted thoughts, change their beliefs, establish new relationships with the environment and change behavior.

What is the underlying theory of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral therapy is based on the cognitive model, if we simply want to express this, the fact that our way of perceiving events affects our emotional reactions is the main point of cognitive therapy. So;

“we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.”

For example, while reading this article, we evaluate and review what we read. Suppose a person reading these lines thinks like this:

• Very nice, exactly the kind of treatment I’m looking for

This person will feel happy, enthusiastic.

Another person;

• Looks good, but I can’t, it’s useless.

this person will also feel pessimistic and reluctant.

Every person reading these lines makes an assessment and interpretation according to his / her own. Feelings and behavior are affected by these comments.

When people are under pressure, they cannot think clearly and their thoughts start to become somewhat distorted.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people identify their distressing thoughts and examine how realistic these ideas are.
Then one feels better when he / she learns to change inappropriate thoughts and is considered appropriate to the reality. Problem solving and behavior change are the most discussed issues.