Practical Reasons to Consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

It can be insulting and patronizing to hear someone tell you “you really should see a shrink.” Unfortunately, this reaction is largely the result of the stigma that surrounds mental wellness. The fact is, people, go to the doctor once or twice a year, not because they’re sick, but because they want to see if everything is all right. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT can be part of our regular health routine as well; the mind is just as important as the body in supporting overall wellness.

Self-Acceptance

Being aware of your strengths, weaknesses, talents, and abilities changes how you walk in the world. In the quest to improve self-esteem, the process of self-rating can be harmful. This is why some therapists combine teaching self-esteem and unconditional self-acceptance, where you accept your whole self regardless of what you or others think might be “wrong.”

Better Parenting

While fulfilling, parenting can be challenging, to say the least. Sure, things are mostly great, but sometimes you find yourself losing your temper often or feeling lost; there’s no question that parenting calls on an unfamiliar set of skills. Therapists specializing in childcare and adolescent development can not only help you establish a good framework for better parenting but also be a source of support during the difficult phases when you feel overwhelmed.

Understand Life’s Purpose

Understanding the meaning and purpose of your life can help you structure it in a way that allows for growth. However, the busyness of the day-to-day can get in the way and leave you feeling lost and lacking, especially if you aren’t passionate about your current job. A conversation with a therapist may help you define your path and map out a plan to make the necessary transitions to align yourself with that goal.

Thrive in Your Career

According to research, more than a quarter of workers are burned out; it may not be a coincidence that a similar percentage feel that their job is the top source of stress. Some outside support can help, whether you turn to friends and family, or therapy. The latter can help you get to the root of the stressors, enabling you to properly address the psychological pressures and make the necessary moves to thrive and not just survive.

Check In with Yourself

Sometimes we react to emotional situations in ways we can’t explain. Something objectively benign might cause us to break down or ruminate for hours or days. In these cases, being able to go deeper into your feelings and thoughts with a therapist can help you monitor emotions and identify underlying triggers. Therapy can also help you recognize and improve negative habits. It offers a vital space where you can focus on yourself, learn, grow, and heal.

Fitness Goals

Physical fitness dovetails with mental health, and while most therapists aren’t personal trainers, they might have the tools to help you remove what’s holding you back. The barriers that come with weight management sometimes demand multidisciplinary strategies. Studies show that with a more structured cognitive approach to overcoming fitness obstacles, therapists can improve a client’s mindset and help them achieve longer-lasting results.

The Art of Forgiveness

Whether it was a traumatic experience or something comparatively small, forgiveness is hard for many to embrace. When you’ve been wronged, it can weigh on your mind, leaving you angry and even manifesting in physiological issues such as high blood pressure and anxiety. CBT can help you understand the situation and change how you respond, enhancing peace of mind and improving mental and cardiovascular health.

Be More Assertive

Everyone has the right to express their needs, but this is more difficult for some than others. Keeping quiet instead of speaking up for yourself can build resentment and stress that manifests in many ways. CBT can help people find ways to speak directly and honestly about their feelings so that they don’t fester and become unexpressed anger. Furthermore, learning to establish healthy boundaries can improve one’s sense of self and self-respect.

Get Out of a Rut

We’ve all fallen into a rut, where the routine begins wearing on us and while we’d love to break out of it, we’re just too busy or tired to figure out how. If you’re unable to move forward, gaining a clinical understanding of how you are standing in your own way could help you push out of that rut and move towards what you want.

Try New Things

Opening yourself up to new things is frightening, especially if those things are life-changing. In some cases, cognitive behavior therapy or other talk therapy can help individuals recognize this behavior and possibly even highlight other ways fear is holding them back. CBT can supply an opportunity to practice venturing into new territory before you actually take the first step. A therapist can help you break down your fears and move at your own pace.