What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Ways to understand the difference between family therapy, individual therapy, and CBT for my child

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), also referred to as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, is an evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. CBT can be helpful for a range of mental and behavioral health concerns. For children, CBT can be effective for treating anxiety, depression, family conflict, problematic behaviors, as well as other mental health concerns that are impacting functioning in everyday life. CBT is based on the principle that psychological symptoms are based in part, on faulty or maladaptive ways of thinking (thoughts), unhelpful habits (behavior), and how these thoughts and behaviors impact our emotions/coping. In essence, CBT begins with psychoeducation about the role of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and how they impact our day-to-day interactions and coping. By teaching children about thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, they can develop greater emotional resiliency and cope with the inevitable stressors that come their way. Just like any skill, CBT principles can be taught developmentally and help children learn ways to cope in a healthy and safe manner. For more information about building emotional resiliency through use of CBT strategies, check out Behind the Behavior Psychology’s blog, How to teach emotional resiliency in children.

CBT focusses efforts on identifying and changing:

Automatic or unhealthy thoughts (e.g., I am not good enough, I will fail)

Learned patterns of unhelpful behaviors (e.g., avoidance of tasks, hitting, sabotaging)

Emotions (e.g., feeling sad, anxious, low motivation)

 Is CBT appropriate for my child or family?

To determine whether CBT can be appropriate for your child or family, it is important to consult with a trained provider or psychologist about your concerns, goals, and your child/family’s strengths. For any questions about the appropriateness of CBT for your child or family, contact us at BTB to learn more! Research has shown that CBT can be effective for children as young as 7 years of age if concepts are relatable, simple, and developmentally appropriate. CBT involves a good amount of psychoeducation, which means that the psychologist helps teach the child or family about the ways thoughts, behaviors, and emotions interact and influence one another. Essentially, CBT, if appropriate for the client and treatment concern, helps children, adolescents, or adults become their own therapist. To determine whether your child can grasp and understand these concepts, they may benefit from an evaluation to determine their cognitive strengths and should be paired with a psychologist who specializes in working with children. For information about the role of psychoeducational or neurodevelopmental testing in your child’s treatment, check out BTB Psychology’s FAQs about testing as part of the therapeutic process.

What is the difference between CBT, individual, and family therapy?

CBT is a treatment that can be incorporated into both individual and family therapy. When in individual therapy, the psychologist and child work collaboratively to identify maladaptive thinking and find ways to safely change behavior patterns. In a family system, the same principles are addressed, however the focus is on the family unit and how thoughts, behaviors, and emotions of individuals interact within the family.

Can you do CBT via telehealth or while using virtual formats?

While the approach to CBT will differ depending on the individual, family, treatment goals, and therapist specialty, CBT can still be effective in virtual or telehealth formats. In fact, for some children and families, telehealth may enhance the generalization (ability to utilize these skills in the settings that matter) of skills learned in the therapy space into other settings, such as home, where symptoms may occur the most. Aspects of CBT, such as exposures (e.g., safely and gradually exposing child to anxiety provoking situations to improve coping) can occur via telehealth as long as it aligns with the child’s development, family goals, therapist training, and treatment plans.  Talk with your child’s provider about the appropriateness of CBT in virtual or telehealth formats.

Do you do CBT at Behind the Behavior Psychology, PLLC?

Yes. Dr. Bobal specializes in utilizing CBT with individuals and families in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. As a former educator and a member of school and pediatric hospital teams, Dr. Bobal enjoys finding ways to teach CBT concepts (such as thoughts, behaviors, and emotions) to young children in a developmentally appropriate and relatable manner. In addition, Dr. Bobal works directly with parents to help them utilize the same therapeutic skills in a way that aligns with their parenting style and strengths in the home setting.

Have questions about CBT or looking to learn more information? Contact Dr. Bobal today!