CBT: What is it?

CBT stands for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and is the only proven form of treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, OCD, phobias, social anxiety and more.

Now what is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy exactly?

CBT is focused on modifying destructive patterns of behavior and thought with a variety of strategies taught and assigned for practice. Simply put, one main CBT tenet is that if you change your behavior, your thinking can change and if you change the way you think, your behavior can change.

CBT is a very interactive process between psychologist and client. Sometimes, it even involves trips outside of the office with your psychologist to face anxiety in real-life situations with new skills and strategies learned.

First, symptoms are assessed.

Second, strategies are taught in order to obtain skills in handling anxiety. Homework assignments are a common feature.

The primary focus of treatment for anxiety is a CBT strategy called "Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)" which involves facing your fears/obsessions in a gradual, systematic manner minus avoidance with the goal of adapting or de-sensitizing you to your anxiety provoking thought, image, impulse or situation. This is done with the support of your psychologist and independently when ready.

Follow this link for more on anxiety treatment with CBT