How Effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

This therapy is generally focused on specific problems, using a goal-oriented approach. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) can give you the power to cope with your situation in a healthy way and to feel better about yourself and your life. It is generally considered short-term therapy — about 10 to 20 sessions depending on type of disorder or situation, the severity of symptoms, and long you have had your symptoms. The therapist may combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with another therapeutic approach to obtain the best results. This therapy is most effective when you’re an active participant and share in decision making. The success of therapy depends on your willingness to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences, and on being open to new insights and ways of doing things. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues, such as: mental illness when medications aren’t a good option, pain, fatigue, sexual disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, personality disorders, or schizophrenia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy isn’t effective for everyone, but it can learn you to manage your problems in a better way.