Mental health disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are difficult to treat due to each patient’s specific background and genetics. A cognitive behavioral therapy definition is a form of psychotherapy that addresses negative thinking patterns about self and the world around them and challenges those thoughts to eliminate any negative thinking and behaviors. A cognitive behavioral therapy program is highly effective in treating men and women with substance use disorders, eating disorders, or other mental health disorders.
At Imagine Seattle, we help teen boys and girls aged 12-17 whose development and education are suffering due to their mental health. We perform a complete evaluation of your teen’s mental health to create a tailored treatment program. This program gives them the life skills they need to cope with their feelings and lead healthy and productive lives. Call our Imagine Seattle team at 888.346.0473 or contact us online today to learn more about our cognitive behavioral therapy program and other beneficial programs if you are concerned about your teen’s mental health.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Definition
What is CBT? Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, was originally developed to treat patients with depression and anxiety back in the 1960s. Its primary focus is on challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs and the behaviors that they produce. Research has found that CBT can replace the need for medication in mild cases of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, while more severe cases are treated best with a combination of medications and CBT for mental health.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with several mental health disorders, such as:
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Other severe mental health disorder
At Imagine Seattle, we will make sure you understand the cognitive behavioral therapy definition and other treatment options that are available for your teen. After completing a full evaluation, your teen’s treatment will begin with a combination of therapies and medication if deemed necessary.
How Can CBT Help?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a necessary step to give teens the best chance at leading full and happy lives. It gives them the skills and confidence to confront their fears and negative thoughts instead of burying them and causing serious mental health conditions. If left untreated, it can negatively impact their development and future.
How can CBT help?
A few ways that CBT can benefit your teen’s mental health include:
- Reduces negative thoughts and behaviors – Therapists guide patients in learning how their negative thoughts and emotions control their behaviors and form coping skills to reduce harmful behaviors.
- Improves self-esteem and confidence – Teens build their skills and confidence in maintaining a healthy state of mind through individual and group therapy.
- Enhanced communication skills – Teens learn to communicate their feelings without feeling guilty or shameful. They learn that it is OK to talk about their feelings and how to better listen to what others are saying.
- New relationship skills – Teens will practice relationship skills during group therapy with their peers. Therapists will monitor their interactions and note any concerning behavior that needs addressing. Teens will also work with their families in therapy to improve family relationships and create a supportive home environment.
Enhance Your Mental Health with Imagine Seattle’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What is cognitive behavioral therapy? At Imagine Seattle, we believe that CBT is beneficial for teens struggling with depression or other mental health disorders. We take the time to understand your teen’s condition, so we can form a more effective treatment program that can include several therapies, such as:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Group and individual therapy
Call Imagine Seattle at 888.346.0473 or contact us online if you are worried about your teen’s mental health. The sooner they begin therapy, the better their chances of leading a healthy and productive future.