Spontaneous and uncontrolled negative thinking can lead to self-destructive behavior, like substance abuse, which further exacerbates complications in health and relationships. Through cognitive behavioral therapy exercises, negative thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more realistic and positive ones. Most of our nationwide substance abuse treatment centers offer CBT to help patients suffering from mental illnesses, addictions, or co-occurring disorders overcome their conditions.

Common CBT Exercises 

  Cognitive behavioral therapy is about more than just identifying negative thought patterns; it also focuses on helping relapse prevention skills that patients can take with them when they complete their drug treatment programs. CBT coping skills like journaling and talk therapy are meant to help patients realize how their thinking affects their behavior.

Common cognitive behavioral therapy exercises include: 

• Identifying negative thoughts through talk therapy
• Practicing new coping skills like rehearsing ways to avoid social situations that could lead to a relapse
• Goal-setting for the future
• Problem-solving
• Self-monitoring through journaling
• Role-playing to help patients better understand the situation from a different perspective
• Relaxation techniques
• & More

Benefits of CBT for Addiction and Mental Illness

  The goals of cognitive behavioral therapy are centered around the underlying concept that thoughts and feelings play a key role in behavior. For instance, a person who frequently thinks of plane crashes or other air disasters is less likely to fly. CBT’s purpose is to teach people that while they can’t control everything, they can control how they think of and deal with things in their lives.

Some benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy include: 

• Increased self-awareness regarding negative and unrealistic thoughts
• Effective short-term treatment option for people with addictions and/or mental illnesses
• Increased self-accountability and responsibility
• Emotional control
• Development of relapse prevention and coping skills
• Increased problem-solving skills
• Reduced anxiety

Arguably one of the greatest benefits of CBT for mental illness and addiction is that clients can develop coping skills that will be useful for the rest of their lives.

What Banyan’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treats

  Both cognitive behavioral group therapy and individual therapy are effective forms of treatment offered to our patients at Banyan Treatment Centers across the nation. We understand that addiction is a condition that also heavily impacts the mind, which is also why we incorporated CBT in patients’ treatment plans. Our mental health programs like CBT are led by licensed therapists who hone in on teaching clients the necessary skills to modify their thoughts and behaviors for good. Our meetings are always structured and directed at solving problems without judgment.

If you’re interested in restoring your life or know someone who needs a professional mental health program or substance abuse treatment, contact Banyan Treatment Centers today to speak to one of our team members.

Not all programs available at all locations. Please contact the location for availability.