At Jubilee, we’re proud to offer cognitive behavioral therapy services to our patients. Over the years, we’ve encountered quite a few alarming misconceptions about this service, and we wanted to put a few of the most prevalent to rest. Whether you’re considering cognitive behavioral therapy for yourself or you’re helping a loved one explore their options, you may have encountered these myths.
Myth #1: Cognitive behavioral therapy is just “positive thinking.”
Truth: This type of therapy isn’t about forcing positive thoughts or ignoring real problems. The process involves identifying unrealistic or unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with more helpful, realistic, and balanced thinking. Cognitive behavioral therapy acknowledges genuine difficulties while helping you build the tools to respond to them appropriately.
Myth #2: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a quick fix and should only take a few sessions.
Truth: While cognitive behavioral therapy is generally a shorter-term therapy option when compared to psychodynamic psychotherapy, it is not a magic cure. Real changes take place over time, with practice and commitment. The skills you acquire in cognitive behavioral therapy require ongoing application to be effective.
Myth #3: Cognitive behavioral therapy doesn’t address the root of the problem.
Truth: While cognitive behavioral therapy may not dive as deeply into childhood experiences as other forms of therapy, it does address underlying thought patterns and core beliefs that contribute to current difficulties. The focus is on breaking the cycles that sustain problems.
Myth #4: Cognitive behavioral therapy does not work for serious mental health conditions.
Truth: This form of therapy is among the most research-supported treatments for many significant conditions, including major depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other conditions.
Don’t be misled by these or other common myths about cognitive behavioral therapy. If you’re interested in exploring whether it may be a good fit for your needs, contact us today to schedule a consultation.