Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in Los Angeles is a common treatment method within psychotherapy, known also as talk therapy. Initiated and structured by a psychotherapist, CBT is a method of treatment that helps the patient become aware of their negative patterns of thought.
CBT helps the therapist assist the client in navigating their problems in a more effective way. If you or a loved one is in need of cognitive-behavioral therapy, Montare Behavior Health is eager to hear from you to help people in their time of need.
What Conditions Are Treated With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is usually used in conjunction with other therapies. It is designed to help mental disorders, such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. In addition to helping treat mental health disorders, CBT helps with the stresses of life situations such as the death of a loved one or marital problems.
There are times when CBT is used in conjunction with medication therapy. Psychotherapy is an extremely successful treatment when it comes to identifying personal challenges. This therapeutic approach allows the therapist to guide the patient through sessions in a specific, directed way.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in Los Angeles, CA can help address these challenges:
- To help control any symptoms of mental illness
- To help prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms
- To enable the patient to learn techniques to cope with certain situations
- To teach the patient to control their emotions and feelings
- To empower the client to learn how to communicate in order to avoid identifiable problems
- To learn how to control physical symptoms
- To help the patient overcome a traumatic situation
- To allow the patient to cope with the loss of a loved one as they undergo the grieving process
- To help cope with the diagnosis of a medical condition
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in Los Angeles is a proven method of choice for many psychotherapists and other mental health professionals. Here are some disorders that CBT has proven helpful in treating:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobias and irrational fears
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disruption disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Bipolar Disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia
- Schizophrenia, including unspecified schizophrenia, simple schizophrenia, residual schizophrenia, undifferentiated schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia, and hebephrenic schizophrenia
If you or a loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder, contact us at Montare Behavioral Health.
What Are the Risks of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
The risks for CBT are far and few between. However, certain strong emotions can make the patient uncomfortable at times. Through CBT sessions, the therapist can guide the patient through the exploration of trauma and other painful feelings. However, this exploration can make someone feel physically drained.
Patients may go through a gamut of emotions and feelings during intense sessions. In addition, CBT therapy in Los Angeles, California requires that patients explore memories and situations they would rather avoid, like facing fears. This can cause added stress or anxiety during the session. Still, an effective therapist offers the coping skills needed to help them manage their stress and discomfort.
Finding the Best Therapist or Qualified Treatment Facility for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
When finding a therapist to provide the best cognitive-behavioral therapy in Los Angeles, it is a good idea to get a recommendation from one’s primary care physician, a trusted friend, or an insurance company. in addition, many employers offer referral services for psychotherapy or counseling.
A psychotherapist is a term that is used for a wide range of mental health professions, including:
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Social workers
- Licensed marriage and family counselors
- Licensed counselor
- Psychiatric nurses
- Other licensed mental health professionals
Keep this broad list in mind when considering a mental health professional. Before scheduling an appointment with any psychotherapist, look into their credentials and educational background. Psychologists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health that also have the ability to prescribe medications.
Most psychotherapists have either a master’s or doctoral degree, but all therapists specialize in mental health counseling. When considering a therapist, make sure they are licensed by the state. Ask about their area of expertise to see whether they coincide with the symptoms one may be experiencing.
What to Expect During Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can include individual therapy, therapy in groups with those experiencing similar mental health symptoms, and family therapy. In dealing with their mental health symptoms, the psychotherapist can impart methods of stress management, coping, and relaxation techniques.
In the first couple of sessions, the therapist will gather information about the patient and their specific needs. During these sessions, the therapist may also be interested in the present and past medical and mental health history. In addition, the therapist will assess whether medication is needed.
Some questions to ask one’s therapist during their first session may include:
- What type of treatment approach do you do during sessions?
- What type or types of therapy is right for me?
- How long is each session?
- How long will therapy be needed?
- What are your credentials?
- Will there be any out-of-pocket fees?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Is your licensing and schooling up to date?
During a typical session, the therapist will gently guide the patient toward talking about their feelings. Even if they are uncomfortable opening up, their therapist should help them achieve the confidence to do so. In addition, CBT sessions can include activities like role-playing.
What are the Steps of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
There are certain steps in cognitive behavioral therapy. These steps help the therapist guide the patient in getting better. Here are some of the steps used by psychotherapists:
- To identify situations and conditions that are troubling in the patient’s life. The therapist and patient take time to collaborate on the goals needed to be focused on. These discussions and goals may include issues of medical conditions, loss of a loved one, or even divorce or separation.
- To become aware of the client’s emotions and thoughts and establish which problems to work on. This includes the therapist observing the patient, as well as self-observation by the patient. Journaling is sometimes recommended by the therapist.
- The therapist will observe the patient for negative thinking and behavior. The therapist will also observe the client’s behavior and responses during different situations.
- The therapist attempts to reform the patient’s negative thinking and behavior. However, this step can be long and frustrating. Changing anyone’s thinking can be a difficult process. Still, with changing behavior patterns, it can become easier with each session.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy in Los Angeles can range from only a few sessions to more than 2 dozen. However, the length of cognitive-behavioral therapy depends on many factors.
These include:
- The type of mental disorder or situation
- The severity of the condition
- How long the patient has been dealing with symptoms
- The stress the patient is experiencing
- Whether the patient has a support system
Begin Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Los Angeles, California
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental disorder or going through a hard time or situation in life, it may be time to engage in cognitive behavioral therapy in Los Angeles, CA. Contact us today to begin your journey to a more fulfilling life.
