Dr. Ohad Hershkovitz
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive TherapyOur 'cognitive processes' are our thoughts which include our ideas, mental images, beliefs and attitudes. Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or 'fuel', certain health problems. For example, anxiety, depression, phobias, etc, but there are others including physical problems. The therapist helps you to understand your current thought patterns. In particular, to identify any harmful, unhelpful, and 'false' ideas or thoughts which you have that can trigger your health problem, or make it worse. The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas. Also, to help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful. Behavior TherapyThis aims to change any behaviors that are harmful or not helpful. Various techniques are used. For example, a common unhelpful behavior is to avoid situations that can make you anxious. In some people with phobias the avoidance can become extreme and affect day-to-day life. In this situation a type of behavior therapy called 'exposure therapy' may be used. This is where you are gradually exposed more and more to feared situations. The therapist teaches you how to control anxiety and to cope when you face up to the feared situations. For example, by using deep breathing and other techniques. Cognitive Behavior Therapy - CBTThis is a mixture of cognitive and behavior therapies. They are often combined because how we behave often reflects how we think about certain things or situations. The emphasis on cognitive or behavior aspects of therapy can vary, depending on the condition being treated. For example, there is often more emphasis on behavior therapy when treating obsessive compulsive disorder (where repetitive compulsive actions are a main problem). On the other hand, the emphasis may be more on cognitive therapy when treating depression. What conditions can be helped by CBT?CBT has been shown to help people with various condition - both mental health conditions and physical conditions. For example:
As a rule, the more specific the problem, the more likely CBT may help. This is because it is a practical therapy which focuses on particular problems and aims to overcome them. CBT is sometimes used alone, and sometimes used in addition to medication, depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated.
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Dr. Ohad Hershkovitz
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