Our Therapy Practices
Through the groundbreaking use of integrative evidence-based therapy practices our Rehab uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to meet Veterans needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive Therapy is one of the earliest therapies to be considered CBT. It focuses on identifying and changing the unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns commonly experienced by individuals suffering from depression. Cognitive Therapy uses collaborative elements like agenda-setting and homework assignments between sessions, emphasizing the correction of cognitive distortions or thinking errors as well as maladaptive behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and is heavily based on CBT with one exception: it highlights validating or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors instead of fighting them. By accepting and coming to terms with discomfort, DBT encourages change through a mindful and present stance. Initially designed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT is one of the most commonly utilized treatment interventions today.
Motivational Interviewing
is an evidence-based approach that is directive and goal-directed. MI recognizes that people start therapy with varying levels of commitment and willingness to change. Motivational Interviewing facilitates the internal motivation needed for behavior change while resolving any existing ambivalence towards change. Although initially developed to help people overcome substance use problems, MI is now used to explore and enhance motivation for changing almost any behavior.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The central premise of ACT is that people’s thoughts and feelings are affected by events, the people around them, and their environment. ACT focuses on increasing tolerance for emotional pain, especially when avoiding pain prevents one from living a fulfilling and meaningful life. ACT promotes alternative ways to cope with and relate to emotional pain while clarifying a person’s values. Techniques from ACT help individuals get “unstuck” from their emotions so they can pursue more value-consistent actions.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
involves identifying irrational beliefs, actively challenging these beliefs, and recognizing and changing maladaptive thought patterns. Albert Ellis created REBT based on the idea that each person holds a unique set of basic assumptions about themselves and the world, influencing their actions and reactions and influencing their perspective on situations
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy wORK?
When Veterans are involved in cognitive behavioral therapy, they learn to change their thought patterns and see the connection between thoughts and feelings. Our Veterans Rehab therapists, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focus on coping skills and helping Veterans reach milestones of improvement and progress.
Mental illness causes people to experience irrational thoughts, such as believing they are worthless, contributing to their emotional state/behaviors. Therapists help clients challenge these irrational beliefs and find evidence that their negative thoughts are not based in reality. Once Veterans manage their thought patterns, these patterns influence their emotions and prevent them from engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
The Benefits
Cognitive-behavioral therapy boosts self-esteem, reduces dishonesty, and gives Veterans a sense of control over their life. These benefits are all crucial factors in preventing relapse and helping Veterans maintain their sobriety and mental wellness.
