Evidence-Based Therapy
CBT is a widely-used, evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors to improve mental health and support lasting recovery.
Understanding CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an effective talk therapy treatment that can be used to address many mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. When used to treat substance use disorder, clients work with a therapist to identify and change negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors.
The goal of CBT is to help clients learn self-acceptance and how to better cope with stress and difficult emotions. CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing negative patterns in one area can lead to improvements in others.
At Luna, CBT is integrated into individual therapy sessions and group skills training, providing clients with practical tools and strategies they can use throughout their recovery journey.
The Process
The therapist helps clients become aware of automatic negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to distress and unhealthy behaviors. This awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.
Clients learn to examine the evidence for and against their negative thoughts, testing whether these beliefs are accurate or helpful. This process helps reduce cognitive distortions.
Therapists teach practical skills for managing stress, cravings, and difficult emotions without resorting to substance use or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Clients practice new, healthier behaviors and responses to replace old patterns. Through repeated practice, these new behaviors become more natural and automatic.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is particularly effective in treating substance use disorder because it addresses the underlying thought patterns that contribute to addictive behaviors. Many individuals with substance use disorder have developed automatic negative thoughts about themselves, their circumstances, or their future that can trigger cravings and lead to relapse.
Through CBT, clients learn to recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and substance use behaviors. They develop skills to identify high-risk situations, manage cravings, and cope with triggers without turning to substances. This includes learning to challenge thoughts like "I can't handle this without using" or "One drink won't hurt."
CBT also helps clients develop a relapse prevention plan, teaching them how to respond to setbacks in a constructive way and maintain their recovery over the long term.
Treatment at Luna
CBT typically consists of weekly individual sessions where clients work one-on-one with their therapist to identify and change thoughts or behaviors that are contributing to their distress. These sessions are tailored to each client's unique needs, attachment style, and recovery goals.
In addition to individual therapy, clients participate in group skills training sessions where they learn and practice skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The group setting provides opportunities to learn from others' experiences and build a supportive recovery community.
At Luna, CBT is integrated with other evidence-based approaches including DBT, attachment-based therapy, and family systems therapy. This comprehensive approach addresses the whole person and provides multiple pathways to healing and recovery.
One of the strengths of CBT is that it provides practical, actionable tools that clients can use long after they complete treatment. These skills become part of a client's ongoing recovery toolkit, helping them navigate challenges and maintain their mental health and sobriety.
Learn more about our comprehensive treatment approach and how CBT fits into your recovery journey.
Discover Our ApproachCognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
Our compassionate admissions team is available from 8am-10pm to help you begin your journey to recovery.
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