The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In my private Psychotherapy practice, one of the first questions I’m often approached with is “do you specialize in CBT?”

After informing them that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a cornerstone of my treatment model, I’ll ask them: “What’s your understanding of CBT and why does it interest you?”

… crickets. A blank stare. An uncomfortable silence.

It seems that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has become a trendy new clichè term to throw around a Psychotherapist’s office.

Most clients report having read about CBT in a magazine or overhearing something about it from their wealthy friend in the Hamptons.

The reality of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, however, is very different from the trendy self-help reputation its acquired through being casually written about in glossy magazines and tongue-and-cheek Brooklynite blogs.

So, what is CBT? Let’s start by exploring a Clinical Explanation of the treatment model:

The term cognitive comes from the Latin “cognoscere”, meaning “to recognize.” The point of cognitive behavioral therapy is to form a clear idea of your own thoughts, attitudes and expectations. The goal is to reveal and change false and distressing beliefs. Often, it is not only the objects, subjects and situations in life…