Cognitive Behavioral Therapists in San Diego
At Clayton Counseling, we offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a practical, evidence-based therapy approach that is aimed at empowering individuals to cultivate long lasting changes in their lives. CBT is centered around knowing that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that when we modify our thoughts and behaviors, we are able to transform our emotional well-being.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that is problem oriented. It is a combination between two therapeutic approaches: cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. As the name suggests, cognitive behavioral therapy asks us to examine our thoughts as well as our behaviors as a way to deal with our problems in the here and now.
How Does The Process Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
The process of cognitive behavioral therapy begins by identifying specific problems you are currently facing and working together with your provider to find solutions for them. The exact treatment approach your provider takes will depend greatly on the problem or illness being addressed. The idea behind the process is generally always the same though– that what we think, how we behave, and how other people make us feel are all related, and have a significant effect on our overall well being.
Generally, providers will work with you in session, to talk about your goals, the problems you are facing, and brainstorm ideas and tactics on how to deal with the problems you face. You can then take these strategies with you and integrate them into your day to day life. Some therapists may refer to this as “homework assignments”, this can include employing coping mechanisms, and keeping a log of your feelings, thoughts, and strategies worked throughout the week. While this can be beneficial, it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing.
Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used to treat a range of issues, and is often chosen due to its ability to quickly help. Generally, with CBT you can you identify and cope with challenges in fewer sessions than with other types of therapy. CBT may be able to help you if you:
- Identify new ways to manage emotion
- Cope with grief
- Manage mental illness symptoms
- Prevent a relapse of symptoms of mental illness
- Offer an alternative treatment for mental illness if medications are not a good option
- Cope with medical illness
- Overcome the emotional trauma (related to violence or abuse)
- Manage chronic physical pain
- And more
Who Can Benefit From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Many people can benefit from the cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Most commonly, CBT is used to treat those dealing with:
- Depression
- PTSD
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- And more
Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy At Clayton Counseling
Kristen Clayton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent more than a decade working in the mental health field with children, teens, families, and adults. She founded Clayton Counseling with the goal of helping clients understand themselves on a deeper level by cultivating a safe space for them to feel and heal, together.
At Clayton Counseling in San Diego, we have a team of wonderful providers who offer several different therapeutic approaches, including many who offer cognitive behavioral therapy.
To learn more about CBT and services we offer you can schedule a free consultation by calling (858) 224-2579 or e-mailing us at admin@claytoncounselinginc.com.