What is the primary difference between behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy?

CBT vs. Cognitive Therapy: What’s The Difference?

  • April 5, 2022

  • Mental Health, Treatment Methods

What is the primary difference between behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy?

If you’ve considered starting therapy but are overwhelmed by all the different types, you’re not alone. While having various types of therapy helps individuals receive the quality of care they need, it can also be confusing and difficult for people to find the right type of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and cognitive therapy are popular types of therapy that are often mistaken for one another. Even though they have similar names, these two kinds of treatment have their differences. Keep reading for the definitions of CBT and cognitive therapy, along with tips about which option might be better for you. What is CBT? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help people understand their thoughts and behaviors. By understanding their behaviors and the thoughts that led to those behaviors, individuals can begin to change their actions, thoughts, and emotions. CBT uses this practical approach to help treat the symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, phobias, and addiction. During CBT, psychotherapists work with clients to get to the root of their unhealthy behaviors and also provide them with the tools to develop more positive habits. CBT also includes setting goals to help clients practice those healthier habits; for example, a person with depression may set a goal in CBT to do an interactive and fun activity with a friend at least once a week. This therapeutic method is not only popular but it’s proven to be effective and works quickly in the short term to relieve mental illness symptoms. Different types of CBT include multimodal therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) that can both be tailored based on individual issues and behaviors. What is Cognitive Therapy? Cognitive therapy is used by counselors, therapists, and other mental health professionals to understand a person’s thoughts while helping the client interpret them as well. This approach to therapy focuses on the “here and now” by identifying the issues that are weighing the client down and tackling them through the use of thought strategies and tactics. Cognitive therapy teaches clients how to identify when they are having negative thoughts and analyze those thoughts so they can turn them into something more positive. Is Is CBT the same as Cognitive Therapy? There are many similarities between CBT and cognitive therapy. They are both therapy techniques designed to treat mental illness and change negative thoughts or emotions. They also practice the same theory and use similar applications. However, there are a few very distinct differences between these two methods of therapy. First, cognitive therapy focuses on the present while CBT places more emphasis on the past and the future. In cognitive therapy, clients learn how to change thoughts in the current moment. But in CBT, they analyze their past behaviors to help them practice more positive ones in the future. The second major difference between CBT and cognitive therapy is behavior. CBT uses the same framework as cognitive therapy to help clients understand their emotions and thoughts, but it also places an emphasis on a client’s behavior and what they can do to change any negative patterns. So while cognitive therapy solely uses a cognitive approach, CBT can either utilize a cognitive or behavioral approach depending on the client’s needs. Which is the Better Choice: CBT or Cognitive Therapy? In cases where the mental health disorder is more severe, CBT is usually recommended. But when someone is specifically dealing with something like intrusive thoughts that result from anxiety, they might benefit more from cognitive therapy. Today, CBT is practiced more frequently because the added behavioral element has proven to be effective. Both of these approaches can help people suffering from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. If you’re considering CBT or cognitive therapy and don’t know which option would be better suited for you, our team of mental health professionals are happy to help. To learn more about the programs available at Lifeskills, reach out to us today. You can call us directly at 754-212-8299 or fill out our contact form and a member of our Admissions Team will reach out to you. You should never have to deal with your struggles alone – we are here to help every step of the way. Sources https://www.mindfulnessandpsychotherapy.com/blog/the-difference-between-integrative-psychotherapy-and-cbt-cognitive-behavioural-therapy https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-the-difference-between-cognitive-therapy-vs-cognitive-behavioral-therapy.htm https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-cognitive-therapy-and-vs-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/

  • Categories: Mental Health, Treatment Methods
  • April 5, 2022

  • Tags: behavioral health, cbt, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, mental health, mental health treatment, mental illness

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What is the primary difference between behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy?

What is the primary difference between behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy?