Understanding CBT Therapy: A Path Toward Lasting Change
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely researched and effective forms of talk therapy. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. When we change unhelpful thinking patterns, we can create positive shifts in our emotions and actions. CBT is typically goal-oriented and practical, focusing on the here and now while also exploring how past experiences influence current habits.
A typical CBT session involves identifying negative or distorted thoughts, examining the evidence for and against them, and practicing healthier ways to respond. Clients often receive “homework,” such as journaling or trying new coping strategies between sessions, to reinforce what’s discussed in therapy. This collaborative and structured approach helps people gain tools they can use long after therapy ends.
How CBT Helps Different Age Groups
Adults
For adults, CBT can address a wide range of issues—from anxiety and depression to stress related to work, relationships, or life transitions. Adults often appreciate CBT’s practical strategies, which help them manage challenging situations and build resilience.
Adolescents
Teen years can be filled with academic pressures, social challenges, and identity questions. CBT offers teens concrete skills to handle mood swings, peer conflicts, or test anxiety. Because sessions are active and solution-focused, adolescents often find CBT more engaging than traditional talk therapy.
Children
Even younger children can benefit from CBT. With age-appropriate techniques—like games, stories, or visual tools—kids learn to name their feelings, challenge scary thoughts, and practice calming behaviors. Parents are often included to reinforce skills at home, making CBT a family-friendly option.
What CBT Can Treat
CBT has been proven effective for many mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks.
Depression: Identifying and reframing negative thought patterns.
Trauma and PTSD: Processing memories and reducing distressing symptoms.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Challenging intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Eating Disorders: Addressing distorted beliefs about food and body image.
Substance Use Issues: Managing cravings and preventing relapse.
Sleep Problems: CBT-I (for insomnia) helps improve sleep hygiene and habits.
Life Transitions: Coping with grief, divorce, career changes, or chronic illness.
Because CBT is evidence-based and adaptable, therapists can tailor it to an individual’s unique needs, making it a versatile tool across a wide variety of challenges.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions about CBT
How long does CBT take?
Many people see progress in 8–20 sessions, though the exact number depends on the issue and the individual.
Is CBT only about “positive thinking”?
Not at all. CBT focuses on realistic thinking—examining evidence and considering more balanced perspectives.
Will I get homework?
Yes, often. Homework helps reinforce what’s learned in sessions and speeds up progress.
Does CBT work if I’m on medication?
Absolutely. CBT can complement medication and, in some cases, help reduce the need for it over time (with your doctor’s guidance).
About the Author
Janie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas. A proud Dallas native, she earned both her B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master’s in Counseling from Texas Tech University. Janie has specialized training in Complex Trauma therapy and is also a certified Special Education teacher and Dyslexia instructor.
Her practice spans adults, couples, families, children, teens, and older adults, offering support for concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, learning differences, and major life transitions. Outside the counseling room, Janie enjoys reading, playing pickleball and golf, and spending time with her family and two energetic dogs.
Take the Next Step
CBT therapy can help you—or your loved one—develop the skills to think differently, feel better, and live more fully. Sunrise Counseling in Dallas is here to walk with you on that journey.
Ready to begin?
Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced therapists to see if CBT is right for you.
Contact Sunrise Counseling today to ask questions or book your first session.
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: