6 Questions About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

1. What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychological treatment used to treat a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. At Allpria Healthcare, we understand that chronic pain is emotionally stressful in addition to being physically stressful. During CBT, you work with an experienced therapist; they will help you respond to your challenging situation in an effective way. 

2. Am I a good candidate for CBT?
If you experience chronic pain, you might be a good candidate for CBT. Chronic pain can impact your mood, behavior, and thought processes. It can inhibit your sleep, cause anxiety, and contribute to addiction formation. You do not need a diagnosed mental health issue to benefit from CBT. Our specialists at Allpria Healthcare will help you decide if CBT is a good option.  

3. How long does CBT last?
Most CBT sessions last around an hour. People receive anywhere from a few sessions to 20 sessions. You should discuss your situation with your provider to determine how many sessions will be best for you. It depends on the severity of your symptoms, the type of issue, how long you have had symptoms, your support, and your progress.

4. What should I expect with CBT?
Each person’s experience with CBT is different because the treatment is individualized. CBT requires patience and commitment to improvement. The results can be gradual even though CBT is a short-term therapy. The therapist will probably ask you for preliminary information about your situation and what you would like to focus on. They will encourage you to talk about your thoughts and help you come up with ways to reduce your stress. It is intended for you to incorporate these strategies into your daily routine so that you can better manage your chronic pain. CBT is often implemented with additional treatments for your physical pain. 

5. What are the benefits of CBT?
For many people, treating physical pain is not enough. CBT has been shown to improve chronic pain including joint pain and back pain. It also decreases distress associated with chronic pain. With CBT, patients learn coping skills that will help them manage their stress in the short term and long term. CBT can help you address issues, improve your communication and problem-solving skills, and decrease discomfort. Our team will monitor your treatment over time to ensure that you are progressing toward better well-being. 

6. Are there any associated risks?
There are no physical risks associated with CBT. However, the therapy can be emotionally intense, triggering uncomfortable thoughts or painful emotions. Your therapist will help you work through challenging emotions. CBT does not work for every patient, and it takes commitment to improve your situation. In a small percentage of people, CBT can lead to negative reactions such as worsening symptoms or more distress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Allpria Healthcare
Allpria Healthcare offers CBT at our centers in Thornton and Aurora, Colorado. If you are interested in learning more about CBT, please give us a call at 720-307-7246.

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