Cognitive behavioral therapy, or simply CBT, has been gaining a lot of attention in the world of therapy simply because it works. However, many people still seem to be unfamiliar with CBT, especially with all the myths surrounding it.
To put an end to all these confusions once and for all, here are the most common myths about CBT and the truth behind them.
Table of Contents
1st Myth: CBT is Too Mechanical and Rigid
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often deemed as a mechanical and rigid approach meant to do nothing else but train the human brain again from scratch.
However, while it is true that CBT uses a lot of tools, the process doesn’t ignore individuality at all. Aside from CBT’s mainstream version that Ellis and Beck originally developed during the 50s and 60s, today’s version includes several approaches. These approaches are meant to treat and address different forms of behavioral, emotional, and psychological problems, and these include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy.
- Compassion-focused therapy
- Schema therapy
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
2nd Myth: CBT Only Touches the Surface
One of the most common misconceptions about cognitive behavioral therapy is that it doesn’t delve into the deeper causes of the problems.
But although most people notice improvements by simply working with their thoughts regarding current events, therapists also usually work closely with the long-term negative beliefs of the client instead of their current automatic negative thoughts alone.
One aspect of it inevitably involves historical events during childhood to understand the source of such beliefs.
3rd Myth: CBT Doesn’t Take Long
Although it may only take six sessions or so to treat certain problems, CBT isn’t something that solves things too fast. Results from CBT often require 12 to 15 sessions every week or every fortnight. It means that sessions may last for a good year. It makes CBT significantly longer compared to other types of counselling. It means that instead of being a brief process, CBT can be best described as a form of medium-term psychotherapeutic technique.
4th Myth: CBT is All About Changing Negative Thoughts into Positive Thoughts
CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns, and this is probably why a lot of people assume that it is only about helping them look at their problems from a more positive perspective.
But the truth is that CBT pushes clients to look at their lives more realistically. It inspires them to explore and discover more helpful and flexible lines of thought.
When a client thinks about a situation in a negative light, chances are they are right. It could be because they are having a hard time with their job or they are suffering from a health issue. With the help of CBT, people can identify, embrace, and accept their unpleasant and pleasant feelings and feelings. From there, they can try to look for a more helpful alternative to cope and deal with life’s challenges.
Now that you learn the truth behind the myths about CBT, it is time to experience its benefits for yourself. Book your online therapy and start living a healthier and happier life ahead.