Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Deciding to seek help can be challenging. Mental health specialists at American Hospital are committed to helping individuals make an informed decision about their treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to address their psychological issues, in the most supportive and helpful manner.

About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on how a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and behaviors. It is a goal-oriented approach that requires the individual’s active involvement to succeed. It focuses on their present-day challenges, thoughts, and behaviors. If a person can change their way of thinking, their distress decreases and they can function in a way that is more likely to benefit them and those around them.

What Psychological Problems Is CBT Used For?

CBT is widely used because research has shown it to be very effective for a variety of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Here are some of the common problems treated with the
behavioral therapy:

  • Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Phobias
  • Anger management
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Drug and alcohol overuse
  • Relationship issues
  • Procrastination
  • Low self-esteem
  • Hair pulling, skin picking, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)

How is CBT Administered?

If CBT is recommended, the patient will usually have a first introductory session with a therapist. During the sessions, the therapist will work with the patient to break down their challenges into separate parts, such as their thoughts, physical feelings, and actions. Together they will analyze these areas to work out if they're unrealistic or unhelpful and to determine the best course how to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. After establishing a roadmap, the therapist will ask the patient to practice these changes in their daily lives and follow up on them during the next session.

The eventual aim of therapy is to train individuals with psychological problems to apply the skills they have learned during CBT sessions in their daily lives.

The continuous clinician-patient helps you manage your problems and stops them from having a negative impact on your life, even after your course of treatment finishes.
The course of treatment usually lasts for between 6 and 20 sessions, with each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. The number of sessions and the frequency is dependent on the case and the circumstances.

Schedule an Appointment:

To learn more about how CBT can be helpful for you or a loved one, book a consultation with one of our psychologists at American Hospital Dubai by using our secure online form.