• “I’m not going to be able to handle this”

• “This situation is never going to end”

• “It’s my fault”

• “It’s your fault”

• “I’m perfect / I am worthless”

• “I’m a success / I am a failure”

• “I should have done something”

Do any of these thoughts sound like you? We all have negative thinking patterns such as catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, mind-reading, etc. and when we have these negative patterns of thinking, we can became anxious, depressed, or fearful.

When we feel anxious, depressed, or fearful, we might then withdraw, isolate, or act out in anger.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

CBT looks at our thinking patterns and builds awareness of the ways that our thoughts affect our feelings and in turn our actions.

Through the use of structured tools and techniques, we are able to evaluate our thoughts objectively and create more balanced thinking patterns.

The process of restructuring our thoughts is called cognitive re-framing. When we are able to create new thought patterns, we create new pathways in the brain, and the more we engage in these new, healthier thought patterns, the more habitual these healthy thoughts become.

CBT emphasizes the behavioral component by teaching coping tools and skills to build our “toolbox” so that we can manage the emotional and behavioral responses to our negative thought patterns.

Common CBT tools including progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, clench-and-release, and mindfulness.

CBT accounts for our past but with the primary focus on changing and updating our thinking patterns.