As an integral part of our approach to addiction and mental health treatment, Bradford Recovery Center employs cognitive behavioral therapy to work with clients in identifying the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that drive the progression of addiction.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
The National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) defines CBT as a “type of psychotherapy that is different from traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy because the patient and therapist actively work together to help the patient recover from mental illness issues.”
People who work with a CBT therapist can expect them to be problem-focused and goal-directed in the process of identifying and addressing the symptoms of addictive and mental health disorders. Patients can also expect “homework” – or out-of-session practice – as CBT is an active intervention.
BRC employs CBT as an evidence-based treatment modality for all our services and levels of care, because it’s been proven to work with addictive disorders by examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT isn’t technically used to describe a distinct therapeutic technique, but rather as a categorical term which includes several therapies with similar elements and tenets.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Addiction
Negative thinking is an obstacle to true change. One of the most frequently encountered forms of negative thinking is called “all-or-nothing” thinking, and thought-patterns like this are among the main causes of altered and unhealthy cognitive patterns common in addiction. They cause all kinds of problems, including anxiety, depression, and, of course, addiction.
The “Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviors” approach of cognitive behavioral therapy addresses these negative thinking patterns at the level of change, challenging affected individuals to transform inside and out.
CBT is a successfully proven method of intervention for substance abuse issues.
Features & Benefits of CBT
CBT challenges negative and distorted thinking patterns, which makes it effective in taking on the cognition tendencies that are deeply ingrained in individuals with addictive disorders. By aiding clients in recognizing the thoughts that drive their drinking and drug use, CBT provides effective treatment for addictions and certain mental health diagnoses.
Not recognizing negative and destructive thought patterns is a main contributor to advancing the cycle of addiction. Since cognition affects our overall wellbeing, changing negative and harmful thought patterns is vital. CBT addresses negative thought patterns, which helps clients recognize their ability to practice and integrate alternative ways of thinking, and to regulate disturbing emotions and behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a present-orientated, problem-focused, goal-directed approach which results in benefits like:
- Exploring the thought patterns that lead to destructive actions and beliefs.
- Allowing therapists and clients to work together to identify and alter harmful thinking patterns and foster alternative cognition patterns.
- Augmenting treatment with out-of-session homework and practice.
- Being adaptable to individual and group psychotherapy.
- Providing practical, useful and insightful strategies that can be incorporated into daily life.
- Helping clients develop healthy coping strategies and skills to handle potential stressors and difficulties arising after addiction and mental health treatment.
Learn more
Contact Bradford Recovery Center for a confidential evaluation. Our integrated mental health and addiction treatment programs offer cognitive behavioral therapy skills training and development to equip patients for the road ahead toward a sober life.
