Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in West Palm Beach, FL

CBT is a collaborative therapy, meaning you will work with your cognitive therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. CBT therapists are highly trained and experienced professionals who can help you identify and challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in your life.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify the negative thinking patterns and beliefs that are having adverse effects on their lives. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts affect our feelings and our feelings affect our behavior.

CBT focuses on helping clients identify healthy coping skills and develop positive belief systems that can be used in everyday life.

Identifying Negative Thoughts and Beliefs

Often, trauma symptoms don’t occur only due to the events we experience but also due to the event deeply affecting the beliefs that we hold about ourselves, others, and the world.

For instance, consider two individuals involved in the same car accident:

• Person A can continue driving and return to the neighborhood where the accident occurred.
• Person B feels anxious driving and avoids the area of the accident altogether.

The difference in their reactions is not due to the accident’s severity, as they were involved in the same accident. Rather, person B is experiencing negative emotional responses such as anxiety and avoidance due to internalizing negative beliefs such as “I am unsafe in the car” or “driving on that street may cause me to get into an accident” as a result of the event.

It’s important to remember that everyone experiences difficult situations differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all response. Liz Chelak, our cognitive therapist in WPB, is motivated to help you cope with your symptoms and heal your specific trauma.

Challenging Unhelpful Patterns

Negative belief patterns are rooted in cognitive distortions, which are irrational or extreme ways of thinking that can cause detrimental effects on emotion and behavior. These cognitive distortions can create inaccurate perceptions of ourselves and our reality, often leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.

CBT is a powerful and effective therapy that can help you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns to adopt more positive or adaptive beliefs that better serve you.

CBT is a collaborative process, which means you and your West Palm Beach cognitive psychologist at the Trauma Therapy Center will partner to identify areas you wish to improve on. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of CBT, as with any other therapeutic modality, meaning everything you share with your therapist remains private.

Some examples of cognitive distortions include:

• Catastrophizing: “If I share my honest thoughts and feelings, they will hate me.”
• Jumping to conclusions: “I didn’t get hired for the job; they probably thought I was stupid.”
• Should statements: “I should be more successful at my age.”

These thinking patterns can be unhelpful and even damaging in the long run. CBT is designed to help individuals identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns to adopt more rational thinking and improve emotional regulation and overall mood.

What Conditions Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Treat?

CBT has been proven to be recognized as effective for conditions including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance use
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Sleep disorders
• Marijuana addiction
• Adderall addiction
• Sex addiction
• Meth addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Somatic symptom disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Trauma bonding

CBT is recognized for its versatility, making it an effective approach for various areas of concern. Extensive research has supported CBT to be one of the most efficacious therapies.

How Effective Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

According to a research study, CBT was more effective than other treatments, such as medication or placebo, for reducing the symptoms of depression (Hofmann, 2012).

Another study showed that CBT was more effective than other treatments for reducing the symptoms of anxiety disorders (Otte, 2011).

A further study showed that at two-year follow-up, 70% of the people who received CBT were relapse-free, compared to 45% of the people who received other treatments. At five-year follow-up, 55% of the people who received CBT were relapse-free, compared to 30% of the people who received other treatments” (Zhang, 2018).

An article published in APA PsycNet reported that “CBT has shown effectiveness across a range of eating disorders. It is often used as the primary psychotherapeutic intervention for bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and, more recently, for anorexia nervosa” (Agras, W. S., & Robinson, A. H., 2008).

Research from multiple areas highlights the effectiveness of CBT for various conditions. Research has shown that CBT not only helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety but also prevents relapse, with multiple study participants living symptom-free for years after treatment. 

What Are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques?

Our empathetic therapists are adept at utilizing a variety of CBT techniques that include:

• Cognitive Restructuring: This is the technique of reframing negative thoughts and perspectives into more positive, hopeful, or neutral beliefs improving your overall sense of well-being.
• Exposure Therapy: Clients are slowly and safely exposed to their fears.
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help you become more aware of stressful situations or areas you may want to work on.
• Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Learning relaxation and stress management techniques can help you manage daily challenges.

Your therapist can use many CBT techniques to help you challenge negative emotions. Once you learn these skills, you will be able to use them in your daily life to feel relief from symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

How Do I Find a CBT Therapist in West Palm Beach?

To find a CBT therapist, it is important to conduct research on a professional who meets your needs.

When looking for a therapist, consider the following:

• The therapist’s experience in successfully treating clients with conditions similar to yours.
• The therapeutic approach the counselor employs to ensure their style resonates with you.
• An intuitive therapist should focus on collaboration, ensuring your feedback is valued.
• A qualified therapist must have a master’s degree in social work, marriage and family counseling, or mental health, but also note any other continuing education and certifications they hold.
• Some clients find it helpful to work with someone who has personal experience in overcoming challenges.

Choosing the right therapist involves consideration of various factors. Collaboration is a key factor in choosing a therapist.

If you’re seeking CBT treatment nearby, here are a few tips:

• Ask friends or family for therapist recommendations.
• Read online reviews of other clients’ experiences.
• Search online for “CBT therapy near me,” or “cognitive psychologist near me.”

Many therapists have the education, credentials, and experience. However, it is also important to consider the therapist’s personality, approach, and ability to be intuitive in attending to your needs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Here’s a look at the advantages and considerations for choosing CBT.

Some pros of CBT include:

• CBT is an evidence-based and effective therapy for many conditions.
• CBT is a practical therapy in which you will learn skills you can use in your day-to-day life.
• CBT is a collaborative approach in which your therapist will work together to identify areas you want to work on.

Cons of CBT include:

• CBT may not be the best choice of therapy for severe mental conditions or learning disabilities.
• CBT requires active participation on your part to be willing to identify negative thoughts and reframe them.

CBT is a safe and effective treatment that can be used for a wide range of problems. Talk to your therapist about which CBT techniques may be right for you.

How Long Does CBT Therapy Last?

CBT is an evidence-based and effective therapy, but it is important to remember it is not a quick fix. Liz Chelak, LCSW, CCTSI, CRPS recommends at least 12 sessions of CBT therapy to achieve lasting results, while other individuals may benefit from more. During your first session, your therapist will provide you with skills you can practice and use.

How Much Does CBT Cost?

We know that looking after your mental health is important, and we want to ensure you can afford the care you need. That’s why we offer different types of therapy sessions for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

If you would like to meet in person, you can choose from the following:

• A 30-minute session for $110
• A longer 45-minute session for $165
• A full-hour session for $220.

Schedule your in-person appointment today and choose the session length that best fits your needs and goals.

We also offer virtual or online sessions from the comfort of your home.

These online CBT sessions cost less:

• $75 for 30 minutes
• $125 for 45 minutes
• $150 for a full hour.

To secure your appointment time and ensure dedicated therapist attention, we require a 50% pre-payment.

We offer a variety of therapy options to fit your needs and budget. Learn more about the cost of therapy.

If you are struggling with a mental health condition, CBT may be a helpful treatment option. Contact us today to learn more about CBT in West Palm Beach and to find a qualified therapist. We proudly serve Palm Beach County and the surrounding areas in person at various locations and virtually, making therapy more accessible.