Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used together with other therapies. It is used to analyze a person’s thoughts and beliefs and their impact on one’s wellbeing. Unfortunately, many people allow negative thoughts to cloud their judgement.
This is why two people facing the same challenges may have different outlooks. While one may see the glass as half empty, the other may consider it half full.
Why do some people find fault in everything they encounter? It could be with their relationships, work, academics, or physical appearance. Cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore seeks to initiate behavioral change using various strategies.
Identify negative thoughts and feelings.
When a patient suffering from depression, anxiety, drug addiction, alcoholism or erratic behaviour visits a therapist, the first step is to identify the negative thoughts and feelings behind the destructive behaviour.
This process requires the patient to be open and ready for self-examination. This is a critical part of the treatment. People who avoid introspection may not notice problematic behaviour since they are not ready to acknowledge that they have flawed thoughts that affect their behaviour.
Learn new skills
By the time a patient goes for cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore, they should be ready to acknowledge that something is wrong and that it is time to try something different.
For example, once an alcoholic discovers triggers to his illness, he can skills that allow him to stay away from situations that cause him to drink. One can opt to spend the evening working out instead of socializing with people who cement the negative beliefs that cause them to turn to alcohol.
Learning new skills is critical because this helps patients to change negative behavioural patterns. The new skills also help patients to avoid relapsing to negative thoughts.
Train patients to set goals and achieve them
CBT is a short-term therapy that seeks to identify causes and solutions of unfavourable behaviour. The therapist seeks ways to help the patient get rid of spontaneous negative thoughts responsible for erratic behaviour, such as anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns.
A person whose actions are fueled by negative thoughts and beliefs is sick. Like physical illness, this person requires treatment. Setting goals will help the person keep track of the changes in the way he thinks or acts.
Short term and long-term goals are critical because they will help the patient move forward, even after the therapy ends. Specific, relevant, and time-based goals will help the patient take periodic breaks to analyze his progress, identify gaps, and set timelines to help him achieve his recovery goals.
Unlearn unhelpful behaviours
This is a bold step that is sometimes considered as difficult. A child undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore may find it easier to unlearn behaviours compared to an adult. This is primarily because children have had a shorter time to cement their beliefs.
Adults may have a long way to unlearning unhelpful behaviour. However, it is not impossible. Self-monitoring techniques, such as using a diary or journal, will help one keep track of his progress.
There will be some bad days, no doubt. However, acknowledging these days and working hard to ensure the good days are more than the bad is essential towards positive behavioural change.
Behaviour change does not happen overnight. Patients need to appreciate that change begins with small steps. What is important is for one to keep moving forward. Intentionally taking the difficult route of recovery is important in cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore. Over time, the patient will realize that he has more positive thoughts and actions.