Stress, anxiety, and depression are relatively common among Americans today. But with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you can learn how to think differently about negative situations so that they do not substantially impact your well-being. If you are considering therapy, learn more about preparing for CBT so you can get the most from your sessions.

If you are looking for a Washington cognitive behavioral therapy program, look no further than Bayview Recovery. Our caring team is dedicated to helping you achieve your life goals. Please reach out to us today at 855.478.3650 to schedule an appointment with one of our highly qualified cognitive behavioral therapists.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of talk therapy that can effectively treat anxiety, depression, and many other conditions. It has proven to be a helpful tool for managing a wide range of difficulties, including substance use disorders and eating disorders. CBT’s versatility lies in its focus on changing how you think to improve your behaviors.

Preparing for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

If you are new to CBT or thinking about starting treatment for an anxiety disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is important to know what to expect. That is why CBT preparation can be essential.

Some helpful tips for preparing for CBT are:

Make a list of your goals for therapy

Thinking about your goals before you begin therapy is one of the best methods of CBT preparation. It helps to narrow your focus and ensure that you and your therapist will address the issues most important to you. Here are a few suggestions for preparing your list of goals:

• Make a list of goals and review them with your therapist.
• Make sure your goals are achievable.
• Ensure your goals are relevant to your mental health.
• Make your goals specific enough that they can be measured and evaluated over time.

While it is helpful to set deadlines for achieving your goals, you should also allow yourself some flexibility to modify them as needed.

Prepare yourself to be open and honest with your therapist

Being open with your therapist is important for a successful therapy session. If you do not feel comfortable sharing personal details of your life, it may be difficult to discuss the issues affecting you. Your therapist can only help change any negative patterns contributing to the problem if they have the whole picture. If this is your first time speaking with a therapist, it can feel strange telling someone you do not know about your personal problems, but that is what they are there for. It may help to write down all the things you want to say before you get to your therapist’s office.

Keep track of your progress in a journal

Purchase a journal before you start therapy so you can write down any notes from your sessions and how you feel afterward. You can also keep track of the issues you are having before beginning therapy by noting in your journal their severity and how often they occur. Please be sure to check in with yourself each day to notice any improvements or changes so you can see if your sessions are helping or if there are other issues that need to be addressed first.

Find Quality CBT in Washington at Bayview Recovery

If you are considering CBT in Washington, reach out to the caring team at Bayview Recovery. Our cognitivebehavioral therapy program provides you with the tools you need to improve your own well-being. If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other life challenges, give us a call at 855.478.3650 to learn tips on preparing for CBT.