Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usually a short-term treatment (i.e., often between 12-20 sessions) that focuses on learning specific skills to reach one’s goals. In the course of treatment, clients (whether children or adults) learn how a person’s cognitions (thoughts), emotions and behaviors are connected. By changing either the way a person thinks about a situation or by changing specific behaviors, a person can feel better. CBT can be used to treat:
- Anxiety (including social anxiety, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Anger management/aggression
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Depression/mood disorders
- Sleep disturbances
- Stress
In CBT, clients actively participate in treatment in and out of session. Homework assignments are often assigned between sessions since the skills that are taught require practice. By the end of treatment, a client should be feeling good and functioning well. Additionally, he/she will have the skills to manage future difficulties and to prevent relapses.
