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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment method. It is helpful for many different conditions, and here we explain what it is and how you might be able to benefit.

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that can help with many different conditions.

CBT is an active treatment method in which change can be achieved by focusing on thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The method actually consists of different tools that are adapted to the problem you want to treat.

Therapists that provide CBT often assign homework to create lasting change. CBT is a short-term therapy, which means that you focus on different goals during a limited number of sessions.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

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What is CBT?

CBT stands for cognitive (thought), behavioral (action) and therapy (treatment). The method is based on learning theory, which assumes that we learn things in interaction with our environment and that this learning can be more or less functional based on our history.

In a CBT treatment, you analyze specific situations to understand how they affect your well being. You are given information about different conditions and the psychologist or therapist helps you change your approach to thoughts and feelings to create patterns that make you feel better in the long run. Behaviors are changed so that you act in a way that leads to a better quality of life.

Newer forms of CBT work more on acceptance, compassion and mindfulness, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT).


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What can CBT treatment help with?

CBT can help with various conditions such as:

  • anxiety and worry
  • depression
  • sleep problems
  • stress and exhaustion
  • phobias such as social phobia, fear of injections, vomiting, spider phobia and fear of flying.
  • trauma and ptsd
  • ocd and compulsions
  • relationship problems and low self-esteem
  • neuropsychiatric problems such as ADHD

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At Lavendla we have therapists and psychologists who have extensive CBT experience.


12 common questions and answers about CBT

What is CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on thoughts, feelings and behaviors to achieve change.

How does CBT work?

In CBT, cognitive and behavioral techniques help you learn to question your thoughts and change your behaviors. Newer forms of CBT also work with acceptance and mindfulness.

What can be treated with CBT?

There are many problems that can be treated with CBT. Common conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and sleep problems can be treated, as well as other conditions such as ADHD, relationship problems and phobias.

How long does CBT treatment take?

Treatment time depends on the severity of the problem, with mild to moderate problems improving within a few weeks, while more severe problems may require longer treatment.

What methods and techniques are used in CBT?

CBT consists of a number of different tools and techniques to change thoughts, feelings and behaviors. These include behavioral analysis, cognitive restructuring and exposure in addition to many other techniques.

What is the basis of CBT?

CBT is based on learning theory which assumes that we learn things in interaction with our environment and that this learning can be more or less functional based on our history.

Can you get CBT online?

It is possible to receive treatment digitally via video. Research has shown that the outcome of the treatment is equivalent to meeting in person.

Are there any disadvantages to CBT?

CBT has proven to be an effective treatment method that provides results fairly quickly. If you are using exposure therapy, you may feel a temporary increase in fear that often decreases over time.

What is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)?

ACT is a form of CBT that focuses more on acceptance and mindfulness-based techniques. It also focuses on helping people live more meaningful lives based on their personal values.

What is a CBT therapist?

A CBT therapist is either a licensed psychologist who is trained in CBT or a therapist who has completed Step 1 in CBT, which is a shorter training course in CBT. Other professions, such as doctors and social workers, also sometimes train to become CBT therapists.

Where can I turn if I need help?

At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with CBT and can help you feel better quickly.

What does CBT treatment involve?

Here is an overview of the steps usually involved in CBT treatment.

Step 1: An initial assessment session

The first meeting with your psychologist or therapist is an assessment to review your mental and physical health. You may be asked questions about your life situation, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.

Step 2: Goal setting and valued direction

You and your therapist set concrete goals for the therapy, both short and long term, based on which areas of your life are most affected.

Step 4: Treatment with different techniques and tools

This is the start of the actual treatment phase, which involves exercises and homework assignments aimed at giving you the tools to overcome and deal with your problems.

Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation

Treatment is monitored regularly to see how well the therapy is working. If necessary, the treatment plan can be adjusted or renewed.

Step 6: Ending and looking ahead

As the therapy comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the progress made. You will also receive a maintenance plan on how to use the tools and strategies you have learned in the future.

If you or someone close to you is seeking professional help, don’t hesitate to book a session with one of our qualified psychologists or therapists.


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Written by Emily Cox