Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, problem-focused treatment that has been proven effective in the treatment of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, eating disorders, and addictions. It is based on the principle that our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are all connected. It is not the event by itself, but our perception of the event that shapes emotions.
While practicing CBT, therapists focus on supporting clients by helping them change their thinking and belief systems, which in turn leads to lasting emotional and behavioral changes. According to Aaron Beck (2011), one of the founders of CBT, dysfunctional thinking is at the root of many psychological disturbances. Unlearning old thinking patterns and replacing them with new thoughts and thinking techniques is at the heart of this therapy.
Using cognitive behavioral techniques, the therapist will assist the client in examining their experiences from a more realistic perspective, which lead to more functional behavior. Although cognitive behavioral therapy does entail a theoretical frame, it is important to know that every client’s and each person’s treatment is tailored to their own unique situation.
How Effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
There have been more than 500 outcome studies demonstrating the efficacy of CBT for the treatment of numerous psychological disorders, including major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and pathological gambling. Several of these studies have noted that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has led to neurobiological changes in many of the patients undergoing cognitive behavioral treatment.
Dr. Moali’s Experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Moali received exemplary training and supervision in effectively providing CBT to children, teens, and adults. Moreover, she completed advanced training in cognitive behavior therapy at Harbor UCLA in Torrance, CA, while earning her doctoral degree.
In addition to her experience in the delivery and dissemination of general cognitive behavioral therapy, Dr. Moali provides specialized treatment in CBT for eating disorders in Torrance to address what maintains eating disorder psychopathologies in her clients.
Contact Dr. Moali to consult whether cognitive behavioral therapy is a good fit for your needs.