Mental health disorders are a broad range of psychological conditions that affect an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. They cause significant distress to individuals and their families. Therefore, it is essential for those affected to seek help from qualified mental health professionals to manage their symptoms. At Southern Live Oak Wellness our team of professionals uses a wide range of evidence-based treatments including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that modifies problem behaviors, beliefs, and emotions by altering the underlying thought processes. It combines cognitive therapy—which focuses on changing negative or disruptive thought patterns—with behavior therapy. This results in changing unhelpful or damaging behaviors.
CBT can be used to treat a wide range of mental health disorders. Additionally, it is used in the treatment of substance use disorder and addiction. In contrast to traditional talk therapy—where there is an exploration of past events and emotions that are causing current distress—CBT focuses on current thoughts and behaviors as well as addressing future goals.
The therapist works collaboratively with the individual to identify irrational or unhelpful thinking patterns contributing to their emotional difficulties. Consequently, through this process of identifying and challenging these thoughts, CBT helps individuals develop more realistic ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them.
The History of CBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has its roots in ancient philosophy. The earliest philosophical concepts of CBT trace back to the works of Socrates and Plato. They believed our emotions and behavior shape our beliefs and attitudes. Over time, other philosophers added to the concept of CBT. Additionally, they developed theories about how our thoughts and behavior are connected. Today, CBT is one of the most commonly used forms of psychotherapy.
What Does CBT Treat?
Research has consistently shown positive outcomes among those who engage in CBT treatment for various psychological disorders. These can be caused by a wide variety of factors such as biological and environmental influences, as well as genetics and lifestyle. Mental health disorders can range from mild to severe and can vary in how long they last.
At Southern Live Oak Wellness our team utilizes a comprehensive approach to treatment using a variety of strategies, such as medication and psychotherapy. It is important to remember that with the right support, most people can learn how to live well with mental health disorders.
CBT therapy in Atlanta is commonly used during our mental health programs for the treatment of the following:
- Anger problems
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- ADHD
- Drug or alcohol problems
- Hoarding
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Perinatal mental health problems
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Self-harm
- Stress
Furthermore, recent studies have suggested that when implemented correctly CBT can also be effective in treating physical health conditions such as:
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Eating disorders
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Migraines
- Chronic fatigue
Benefits of CBT Therapy
CBT benefits people of all ages, genders, and levels of functioning. It is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Overall, CBT helps individuals effectively manage their mental health and lead happier healthier lives.
Some benefits include:
- Reduced depressive symptoms
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased happiness
- Decreased emotional distress
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Better coping strategies
- Enhanced communication skills
- Improved interpersonal relationships
- Greater ability to make behavioral changes
- Decreased reliance on unhealthy defense mechanisms (e.g., avoidance)
- Increased confidence in one’s ability to manage difficult situations
What to Expect During CBT
In CBT, clients work with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behavior. The individual and therapist might focus on what is happening in their life right now. Also, they might talk about how their past experiences have affected them. CBT is usually a short-term treatment with a set number of sessions.
Accordingly, this may vary depending on the program, therapy service, and the reason for having CBT. CBT sessions can be interactive, enabling clients to collaborate with their therapist. Additionally, they may be asked to complete activities before or between meetings.
In fact, homework assignments aimed at challenging unhelpful thinking patterns are common throughout treatment. Thereby, helping individuals progress towards positive behavioral changes even outside the therapy room. Furthermore, an ongoing commitment is key for continued success after the session has finished.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Treatment
Innovations in mental health treatment have made it easier than ever to achieve wellness. Each person’s situation is unique. As such, there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. So, we create an individualized treatment plan for each client based on their unique needs and preferences.
Individuals participate in the process of creating their treatment plans. From outlining goals to selecting different services, they benefit most from both the experience of care received and have better outcomes. Together with a treatment team clients can develop a well-rounded and integrated recovery plan that includes strategies that work for them.
On the path to wellness, many tools exist for support and healing. For example, therapy can take many forms, from learning relaxation skills to reworking thinking patterns. Social support, acceptance, and encouragement from friends, family, and others have a positive impact on a person’s recovery.
Education about how to manage a mental health disorder along with other medical conditions provides clients with the skills and support they need for overall recovery and wellness. In addition to our CBT therapy in Atlanta, Southern Live Oak Wellness offers a wide range of services that may be part of an individualized treatment plan.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines traditional CBT techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help individuals manage their emotions more effectively. During DBT sessions, the therapist works with the client to identify maladaptive behaviors and dysfunctional thought processes to replace them with healthier coping skills.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a type of psychotherapy used to help individuals manage the symptoms of mental health disorders. During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements while having them recall traumatic memories. This technique helps individuals detach emotionally from their experiences and process them in a safe and controlled environment.
Brain Mapping
Brain mapping is a safe assessment process that involves using a diagnostic tool called a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG). It helps diagnose, treat, and monitor a variety of neurological disorders such as depression, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Medication Stabilization
Medication stabilization helps clients by providing prescription adjustments. Clients are monitored for potential side effects while medications are adjusted. Our goal is to provide the medication that is most effective with the least side effects. This may require adjusting dosages or trying a new drug altogether.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive and FDA-approved treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. TMS works by using magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain to relieve the symptoms of depression. It requires multiple sessions per week for several weeks before any results can be measured. Each session lasts between 20 and 50 minutes.
Spravato
Spravato is a physician-supervised nasal spray therapy. It treats treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. The nasal spray is used alongside an oral antidepressant.
Alpha-Stim
Alpha-Stim is a safe, non-invasive therapy that uses microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) to treat a variety of conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. This therapy works by stimulating the brain’s alpha waves, which are responsible for relaxation and improved mood.
Complementary Therapies
Our complementary therapies increase feelings of well-being, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote relaxation. Further, these approaches are recommended alongside traditional mental health treatments. We offer a variety of complementary therapies to help our clients cope with symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Begin CBT Therapy in Atlanta, GA
CBT therapy in Atlanta helps our clients become aware of harmful thinking by modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thought processes that are causing them distress. CBT focuses on solutions, not problems. As a result, it encourages clients to challenge previously distorted ways of thinking that created destructive behaviors.
Contact us today to learn more about CBT and other ways we can help you or your loved one lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
