Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective and widely used form of psychotherapy. Thomas A. Arzt, LCSW, BCD, in Miller Place, New York, is an experienced mental health professional who uses CBT to help you recognize and correct distorted thinking and behaviors to improve experiences and relationships. With CBT, Tom teaches you how to be your own therapist in time. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today to find out more about CBT.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured and goal-directed form of psychotherapy that corrects unhelpful and mistaken ways of thinking. 

CBT is based on the principle that psychological problems can result from faulty thinking and unhelpful behavior patterns. With CBT, Tom helps you recognize these thoughts and behaviors and learn better ways of coping, relieving psychological symptoms and improving mental and emotional well-being.

CBT focuses on helping you solve the problems happening in the here and now rather than what happened in the past. 

Who benefits from cognitive behavioral therapy?

Tom uses many forms of therapy to help you reach your goals. CBT is used to treat many conditions, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Phobias

Tom may also incorporate CBT into marriage counseling. CBT also benefits anyone who wants to improve their self-confidence. 

What happens during cognitive behavioral therapy?

Tom customizes your CBT based on the problems affecting your psychological well-being. Therapy focuses on helping change distorted thinking patterns and behaviors and creating new strategies to cope with difficult situations.

CBT aims to help you develop problem-solving skills so you can become your own therapist. With CBT, Tom gives you the ability to recognize and correct distorted ways of processing the events in your life, leading to healthier and more satisfying relationships and experiences.

How long do I need cognitive behavioral therapy?

Typically, CBT is a short-term form of therapy that focuses on a specific set of problems and usually lasts 12 to 20 weeks. However, there’s no set time span for CBT. Tom works closely with you, helping you achieve your goals in a time frame that works best for you.

CBT takes time to work and requires your active participation. It may include activities you find uncomfortable, like paying close attention to how you react when facing difficult situations.

Your thoughts affect how you feel and behave. CBT can help you change your negative thoughts, improving your mental well-being. Call the office of Thomas A. Arzt, LCSW, BCD, or schedule a consultation online today to find out how CBT can benefit you.