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CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term therapy. Typically it involves weekly, 50-minute sessions over 12 to 16 weeks. Intensive CBT may condense this schedule into sessions every weekday over one to three weeks.<\/p>

Is CBT collaborative?<\/h2>

\"When I first meet with someone, I'll listen to what's going on with them and start thinking about different strategies they might try,\" Burbridge says. But CBT is a collaborative process that involves homework on the patient's part.<\/p>

What might that mean for you? Often, a first assignment involves self-monitoring, noting whether there are certain things, events, or times of day that trigger your symptoms. Future sessions focus on fine-tuning approaches to elicit helpful, adaptive self-talk, and problem-solving any obstacles that might prevent progress.<\/p>

Certain thinking patterns are often associated with anxiety or depression, says Burbridge. Therapists help people recognize these patterns and then work with patients to find broader, more flexible ways to cope with difficult situations.<\/p>

\"We're cognitive creatures with big frontal lobes that help us analyze situations and solve problems. That's useful in some situations. But at other times, when you're trying to manage your emotions, it may be better to pause and acknowledge and accept your discomfort,\" says Burbridge.<\/p>

Which CBT tools and strategies can help?<\/h2>

That particular skill — paying attention in the present moment without judgement, or mindfulness — is a common CBT tool. Another strategy that's helpful for anxiety, known as exposure or desensitization, involves facing your fears directly.<\/p>

\"People avoid things that make them nervous or scared, which reinforces the fear,\" says Burbridge. With small steps, you gradually expose yourself to the scary situation. Each step provides learning opportunities — for example, maybe you realize that the situation wasn't as scary as you though it would be.<\/p>

By trying new things instead of avoiding them, you begin to change your thought patterns. These more adaptive thinking patterns then make it more likely you will try new or challenging experiences in the future, thereby increasing your self-confidence.<\/p>

How does CBT work?<\/h2>

Brain imaging research suggests conditions like depression or anxiety change patterns of activity in certain parts of the brain. One way CBT may help address this is by modifying nerve pathways involved in fear responses, or by establishing new connections between key parts of the brain.<\/p>

A Who might benefit from CBT? CBT is appropriate for people of all different ages. This can range from children as young as 3 years — in tandem with parents or caregivers — to octogenarians. In addition to treating anxiety and depression, CBT is also effective for Who might benefit from CBT?<\/h2>

CBT is appropriate for

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