What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes the interplay between one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It focuses on modifying the underlying negative thoughts that impact a person’s emotions and subsequent behaviors. CBT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy shown to be effective in reducing a number of symptoms of psychiatric disorders for both children and adults.
CBT is a goal-directed and collaborative process between the therapist and client. Clients are taught to recognize the thoughts they have which are contributing to distressing emotions and behaviors and how to modify negative thoughts or irrational beliefs. CBT also often includes teaching relaxation exercises and coping skills to better manage challenging experiences and emotions.
CBT is tailored to the individual needs of the client and their symptoms. Additionally, CBT may be combined with pharmacological treatment in order to maximize treatment outcomes. Dr. McLaughlin regularly collaborates with other professionals involved in a client's care, including psychiatrists, internists/pediatricians, neuropsychologists and educational consultants.
What are Evidence-Based Practices (EBP)?
Evidence-based practices are those with strong scientific support indicating their efficacy in treating symptoms of a disorder. Some interventions have been well documented through research as supported interventions for significantly reducing symptoms and their associated impairments. CBT is an evidenced-based therapy which research has demonstrated to effectively reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders and improve functioning.
Some examples of the efficacy of CBT: Research has shown CBT to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adults. Additionally, research has shown that Habit Reversal Training, which is often combined with more general CBT, reduces and manages the re-occurrence of Tics and other behaviors including skin-picking and hair-pulling.
Read more about Evidence-Based Practices and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies website.