Infinite Recovery provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Austin for clients enrolled in our inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs. CBT is a form of psychotherapy used in individual or group therapy sessions that helps individuals understand how their negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. [1] Our clinicians utilize CBT in combination with other therapeutic modalities as part of a holistic, trauma-informed approach to addiction recovery.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one of the most common forms of psychotherapy and is used to help treat anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, relationship issues, and mental health disorders. [1] [2] Unlike some forms of therapy, CBT deals primarily with the present moment and current thought patterns and problems, instead of evaluating a client’s past or asking them to share stories about prior traumas or emotions. [1] It is based on the idea that mental health and emotional issues are based on unhelpful patterns of thinking or cognitive distortions that result in harmful or unhelpful patterns of behavior. [2]
Clients who work with a therapist trained in CBT will learn to identify how thoughts are connected to unhealthy behaviors, and develop new perspectives and healthy coping mechanisms for addressing the stressors in their lives. This modality emphasizes problem solving and empowering the client to develop new skills and ways of thinking, rather than the therapist giving advice about how an individual should react in a given situation. [2]
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to address a number of psychological disorders and concerns, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and more. CBT can be utilized in individual therapy sessions, couples therapy, or group counseling settings.
Addiction and substance abuse are often symptoms of underlying mental and/or emotional dis-regulation. Many individuals turn to substances to help alleviate stress, distract themselves from uncomfortable thoughts or emotions, and forget painful memories. Substance use soon becomes a habit and can easily develop into a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol to function or feel normal. By utilizing CBT as part of a holistic addiction treatment plan, individuals with substance use disorders can learn to process their feelings in helpful ways and develop behaviors that support their sobriety.
Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and other forms of mental illness are often related to negative thinking, false beliefs, and cognitive distortions that can escalate and spiral out of control if they are not addressed. During cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapist will help reframe a person’s thoughts and practice coping skills for responding to challenging situations. They may also incorporate relaxation and mindfulness techniques and certain problem-solving strategies. Often, individuals with a substance use disorder also have an underlying mental health disorder. CBT can be utilized to address both simultaneously, offering practical tools to address difficult situations and relationships.
During your first meeting with your therapist, they will ask questions about your challenges and goals to determine whether CBT is a good fit for your specific treatment needs. Your therapist will then ask you about current thoughts, emotions and behaviors that are troubling you. While you may discuss your past during a CBT session, the focus will be on your present experience and pressing concerns.
The steps most commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy include [3]
Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically a goal-oriented approach, which means your therapist will likely give you exercises to try outside the session that will allow you to put your newfound skills and mindsets into practice.
In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy, Infinite Recovery’s clinical team offers a number of traditional and innovative therapeutic modalities that aid the addiction recovery process. Clients work with therapists one-on-one and in groups to explore and address the underlying cause of their addictive behavior from many angles. It is common for our therapists and counselors to combine CBT with another therapeutic approach so that they can best meet the unique needs of each client.
If you or a loved one are seeking an addiction recovery program that offers cognitive behavioral therapy in Austin, reach out to the team at Infinite Recovery today. We take a holistic, trauma-informed approach to addiction recovery and offer a range of treatment options that address our clients’ mental health and the root causes of their addictive behavior. Clients work one-on-one with a local Austin therapist trained in CBT and other modalities.
Infinite Recovery provides a full range of treatment services at every level of care, including detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient programming, and alumni services. Our programs are covered in-network by most major insurance providers and our success rates are among the highest in the industry.