CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing negative thoughts can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors.

How does CBT Therapy work?

CBT therapy works by helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs. Through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments, clients learn to replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones. This process helps to alleviate symptoms and promote healthier behaviors.

What conditions can CBT Therapy treat?

CBT Therapy is effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. It is also used to help individuals cope with stress, manage anger, and improve their overall emotional well-being.

What can I expect during a CBT Therapy session?

During a CBT therapy session, you can expect to work collaboratively with your therapist to identify problematic thoughts and behaviors. Sessions typically involve discussing your current challenges, exploring thought patterns, and practicing new skills. Homework assignments are often given to reinforce learning and apply skills outside of sessions.

How long does CBT Therapy last?

The duration of CBT therapy varies depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Typically, CBT is a short-term therapy lasting between 12 to 20 sessions. However, some individuals may benefit from longer treatment, especially if they have complex or chronic issues.

Is CBT Therapy effective?

Yes, CBT therapy is widely regarded as one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating a variety of mental health conditions. Its structured, goal-oriented approach and focus on skill-building contribute to its success in helping individuals achieve lasting positive change.

Can CBT Therapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes, CBT therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as medication or other forms of psychotherapy. Many individuals find that a combination of treatments is the most effective approach to managing their mental health. Your therapist can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What is CBT Therapy?

Cognative Behavior Therapy (CBT) is designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve interpersonal relationships. At Integrative Family Counseling and Psychology, our expert therapists utilize CBT to support clients in achieving emotional balance and enhancing their overall quality of life.

What is CBT Therapy?

Cognative Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals manage and transform intense emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships. Developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan, CBT was initially created to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition characterized by emotional instability, intense interpersonal conflicts, and impulsive behaviors. Over time, CBT has proven effective for a wide range of other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Four Key Areas of CBT

CBT focuses on four key areas, or modules, that are essential for developing emotional resilience and effective interpersonal skills. These modules are Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Each module encompasses a set of skills designed to address specific challenges and promote overall well-being.

Mindfulness: The foundation of CBT, mindfulness involves cultivating awareness and acceptance of the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, clients learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, which helps them stay grounded and reduces the tendency to react impulsively. Mindfulness skills enable individuals to focus on the here and now, enhancing their ability to manage stress and make thoughtful decisions.
Distress Tolerance: This module teaches clients how to cope with and tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. Distress tolerance skills include techniques such as self-soothing, distraction, and radical acceptance, which help individuals endure and navigate crises. These skills are crucial for managing high-stress situations and minimizing emotional overwhelm..
Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation skills are designed to help clients understand and manage their intense emotions. This module focuses on identifying and labeling emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and increasing positive emotional experiences. By learning to regulate their emotions, clients can decrease the frequency and intensity of emotional outbursts, leading to more stable and balanced emotional states.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Effective communication and healthy relationships are vital components of mental health. This module teaches clients how to assert their needs, set boundaries, and handle interpersonal conflicts in a constructive manner. Skills such as DEAR MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate) help individuals navigate social interactions and maintain meaningful connections with others.

Benefits of CBT Therapy

CBT therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

Mindfulness: In our anxiety therapy program, mindfulness techniques are taught to help individuals cultivate awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, clients develop the ability to observe their anxiety triggers without judgment and learn effective strategies to respond calmly and thoughtfully.
Distress Tolerance: Distress tolerance skills are essential for managing overwhelming emotions in anxiety therapy. Clients learn practical techniques to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. These skills include grounding exercises, deep breathing techniques, and visualization practices, which empower individuals to navigate stressors with resilience and composure.
Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation strategies are taught to help clients manage and modify intense emotional responses associated with anxiety. Through cognitive-behavioral techniques, individuals learn to identify triggers, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop adaptive coping strategies. Emotion regulation skills enhance emotional resilience and empower clients to maintain a balanced emotional state even during challenging situations.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving interpersonal skills is a key focus of our anxiety therapy sessions. Clients learn effective communication techniques, assertiveness training, and conflict resolution strategies to strengthen their relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. By enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, individuals with anxiety can build supportive social networks and improve their overall quality of life.
Comprehensive Support: Our anxiety therapy program offers comprehensive support through a combination of individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and personalized treatment plans. Clients receive tailored interventions to address their unique needs and goals. Additionally, our therapists provide ongoing guidance, support, and encouragement to ensure sustained progress and well-being.

What Are CBT Therapy Sessions Like?

CBT sessions are structured and systematic, aiming to provide clients with the skills and support needed to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively. CBT at Integrative Family Counseling and Psychology is a comprehensive approach that integrates individual therapy, skills training groups, and phone coaching to provide holistic support. This multifaceted approach ensures that you have the tools and resources needed to make meaningful changes in your life.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy sessions, you’ll work one-on-one with a licensed CBT therapist. These sessions typically occur once a week and focus on addressing personal challenges and applying CBT skills to your daily life. The therapist will help you set goals, monitor your progress, and provide personalized strategies to overcome obstacles.
Skills Training Groups

CBT skills training groups are conducted in a classroom-like setting and usually meet once a week. These groups are designed to teach the four core CBT skills: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Group members learn and practice these skills together, providing mutual support and encouragement.
Phone Coaching

Phone coaching is available to provide support between sessions. If you encounter a challenging situation or need immediate guidance, you can call your therapist for brief, targeted coaching. This service helps reinforce the skills learned in therapy and ensures you have the support needed to navigate difficult moments.
Homework Assignments

To reinforce the skills learned in therapy, you’ll be given homework assignments. These assignments are practical exercises that encourage you to apply CBT techniques in real-life situations. Completing homework helps solidify your understanding and ability to use CBT skills effectively.

Why Choose Integrative Family Counseling and Psychology?

At Integrative Family Counseling and Psychology our team of licensed therapists is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions and develop new coping strategies. With our evidence-based approach, we aim to empower you to make lasting positive changes.

Meet our CBT Specialists who can help you today

Our team of CBT certified specialists is highly trained and experienced in working with a variety of clients. We understand the unique challenges and strengths associated with these conditions and are committed to helping our clients achieve their fullest potential.

Get Help Today From One Of Our CBT Therapists Ready to take the first step towards emotional well-being? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how CBT Therapy can benefit you.

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Affordable Therapy Tailored to You

We accept various insurance plans and offer competitive self-pay rates to ensure quality care is accessible to everyone. Your well-being is our priority, and we're here to help regardless of your insurance or financial situation.

Insurance We Accept

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Online & In-Person Counseling in DuPage County Illinois

Our two Illinois locations are open to serve you, we also provide online therapy services. Online therapy offers flexibility, comfort, and effective support from the comfort of your own space.

Integrative Family Counseling and Psychology Office Locations

219 W. 55th St. Suite 202-203 Clarendon Hills, IL 60514

2200S. Main St. Suite 217E Lombard, IL 60148

8am-8pm Mon-Fri

Frequently Asked Questions About CBT Therapy

Here are some of the most common questions about CBT therapy

What is CBT Therapy?

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing negative thoughts can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors.
How does CBT Therapy work?

CBT therapy works by helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs. Through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments, clients learn to replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones. This process helps to alleviate symptoms and promote healthier behaviors.
What conditions can CBT Therapy treat?

CBT Therapy is effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. It is also used to help individuals cope with stress, manage anger, and improve their overall emotional well-being.
What can I expect during a CBT Therapy session?

During a CBT therapy session, you can expect to work collaboratively with your therapist to identify problematic thoughts and behaviors. Sessions typically involve discussing your current challenges, exploring thought patterns, and practicing new skills. Homework assignments are often given to reinforce learning and apply skills outside of sessions.
How long does CBT Therapy last?

The duration of CBT therapy varies depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Typically, CBT is a short-term therapy lasting between 12 to 20 sessions. However, some individuals may benefit from longer treatment, especially if they have complex or chronic issues.
Is CBT Therapy effective?

Yes, CBT therapy is widely regarded as one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating a variety of mental health conditions. Its structured, goal-oriented approach and focus on skill-building contribute to its success in helping individuals achieve lasting positive change.
Can CBT Therapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes, CBT therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as medication or other forms of psychotherapy. Many individuals find that a combination of treatments is the most effective approach to managing their mental health. Your therapist can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Get Started