How to Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Help Treat Anxiety
November 16, 2022
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves talking through negative perceptions a child has about themselves and the world. Talking through negative emotions and thought patterns will change a child’s unpleasant behaviors when we teach them how to be positive. Here are some techniques used during cognitive behavioral therapy sessions for adults and children:
For adults: Pinpointing pessimistic thoughts - Allowing negative thoughts to take root in your mind is at the root of all undesirable behaviors. Adults and children deal with negative thoughts daily, but the question is, how do we deal with them? Cognitive behavioral therapy is a safe space to find out where your negative thoughts come from. Developing new skills - Cognitive behavioral therapy will help patients prepare for real-world situations that could trigger anxiety or depression. Setting goals - It’s important to have tangible goals that you want to achieve through cognitive behavioral therapy.
For children: Play therapy - Children have a hard time formulating thoughts and talking through triggers, but they will bring things up during playtime. Play therapy is used during cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to help the child talk about things that are bothering them. Once a therapist can identify triggers, they can figure out ways to help the child work through their fears. Modeling - Children learn by example, so modeling how to respond when someone hits you or another scenario will help a child learn how to act appropriately. After showing a child how to respond to a challenging situation, have them do it themselves. Restructuring thoughts - Getting a child to recognize when they are speaking negatively about themselves and teaching them how to flip it will change their lives. For example, instead of saying, “I’m the worst soccer player ever.” They can reframe it and say, “I still need to work on my soccer skills, but I’m getting better each day.”
Exposure - This is the last step in cognitive behavioral therapy because exposing a child to triggering situations before working on techniques to face them will not work.
Contact Beckloff Behavioral Health Center for information about our cognitive behavioral therapy services. We proudly serve Dallas, TX and the surrounding areas!
For adults: Pinpointing pessimistic thoughts - Allowing negative thoughts to take root in your mind is at the root of all undesirable behaviors. Adults and children deal with negative thoughts daily, but the question is, how do we deal with them? Cognitive behavioral therapy is a safe space to find out where your negative thoughts come from. Developing new skills - Cognitive behavioral therapy will help patients prepare for real-world situations that could trigger anxiety or depression. Setting goals - It’s important to have tangible goals that you want to achieve through cognitive behavioral therapy.
For children: Play therapy - Children have a hard time formulating thoughts and talking through triggers, but they will bring things up during playtime. Play therapy is used during cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to help the child talk about things that are bothering them. Once a therapist can identify triggers, they can figure out ways to help the child work through their fears. Modeling - Children learn by example, so modeling how to respond when someone hits you or another scenario will help a child learn how to act appropriately. After showing a child how to respond to a challenging situation, have them do it themselves. Restructuring thoughts - Getting a child to recognize when they are speaking negatively about themselves and teaching them how to flip it will change their lives. For example, instead of saying, “I’m the worst soccer player ever.” They can reframe it and say, “I still need to work on my soccer skills, but I’m getting better each day.”
Exposure - This is the last step in cognitive behavioral therapy because exposing a child to triggering situations before working on techniques to face them will not work.
Contact Beckloff Behavioral Health Center for information about our cognitive behavioral therapy services. We proudly serve Dallas, TX and the surrounding areas!
If your child or teen struggles to cope with overwhelming challenges, specialized counseling offers the support they need. Discover how it can be a lifeline.
As young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood, they often face new and complex challenges that can impact their mental health. Young adult mental health counseling offers a supportive space where individuals can express their feelings, work through their concerns, and build coping strategies. This blog post explores how counseling can be a valuable tool for navigating these challenges and promoting mental wellness during this critical time. What are Common Mental Health Issues Faced by Young Adults? Some common mental health issues that young adults deal with include: 1. Anxiety Disorders: Many young adults experience heightened anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic attacks. These can stem from pressures related to school, work, the economy, relationships, or the uncertainty of future plans. 2. Depression: This is a prevalent issue among young adults, manifesting through persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and fatigue. The pressures of adult responsibilities and social comparisons often contribute to these feelings. 3. Stress: The numerous changes and expectations associated with young adulthood—like college life, entering the workforce, and forming serious relationships—can lead to significant stress. What are the Benefits of Counseling for Young Adults? Therapy for young adults can provide a safe space to explore and understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Here are some of the key advantages: 1. Improved Emotional Management: Counseling helps young adults develop better emotional management strategies. This is crucial as they face the ups and downs of adult life, from work stress to relationship issues. 2. Enhanced Self-Understanding: Through counseling, young adults gain deeper insights into their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. This self-awareness can lead to better decision-making and increased confidence. 3. Development of Coping Skills: Counselors are knowledgeable about coping skills for young adults, helping them develop and refine coping strategies for handling stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. 4. Improved Relationships: Counseling can help young adults understand and improve their relationships with peers, family, and romantic partners, teaching them effective communication and conflict-resolution skills. 5. Reduction in Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders: Regular counseling for mental health can significantly help young adults manage anxiety, depression and other conditions, improving overall well-being. 6. Career Guidance: Therapy for young adults provides career advice, helping them understand their strengths and interests and how these align with potential career paths. What are Some Evidence-Based Coping Strategies for Young Adults? Young adults can benefit from a variety of evidence-based coping strategies and techniques to improve their mental health and manage stress. Here are some effective approaches they can incorporate into their daily lives: 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques: CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Journaling and thought records can assist in recognizing cognitive distortions and replacing them with healthier thoughts. 2. Activity Therapy (Expressive Arts Therapies): These approaches include creative processes like painting, music, dance, and drama to help explore and express emotions, increase self-awareness, and cope with depressive symptoms. 3. Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular exercise is proven to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even short walks or a few minutes of stretching can boost mood and improve overall health. 4. Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a relaxing bedtime environment can enhance sleep quality, which is crucial for mental well-being. Mental Support for Young Adults Available in Dallas, TX At Beckloff Behavioral Health Center , our psychologists and counselors use evidence-based coping strategies to help young adults manage stress and build resilience in life's challenges. Book an appointment today to receive the expert assistance you need.
When life feels overwhelming, bouncing back can be tough. This blog post uncovers the science behind emotional resilience and explores how it helps you thrive.