The Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora and Chicago, Illinois, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada, Babatunde Ogundipe, MD, and our team specialize in providing effective mental health treatments for mood disorders.

For depression and anxiety disorders, we often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven method we often recommend that’s recognized by the American Psychological Association as one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety and depression. Here’s what you should know about CBT.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy? 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of several types of psychotherapy with plenty of evidence to back it up. 

It helps you identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Through collaborative sessions with our specialists, CBT empowers you to develop practical coping strategies.

The benefits of CBT for anxiety and depression 

CBT focuses on solutions and self-empowerment, which is why it’s become a time-honored treatment for anxiety and depression. This approach empowers you to take control of your mental health. Here’s how it can help you.

1. CBT teaches you to recognize and challenge negative thought patterns 

CBT helps you become more aware of your thoughts and identify distortions and disruptions that impact your emotions and decision-making.

People with anxiety often imagine worst-case scenarios, while those with depression deal with constant self-defeating thoughts. CBT gives you the tools to reshape these patterns into healthier, more realistic perspectives.

For instance, if you have social anxiety, you might think, “I’ll embarrass myself if I speak up in a meeting.” CBT helps you reframe this: "Even if I feel nervous, I have valuable input to share, and people will respect my efforts.”

Over time, this shift in thought patterns reduces your fear and improves your self-confidence.

2. CBT develops long-term coping skills 

While medications can offer relief from symptoms, CBT equips you with strategies to manage your mental health without pharmaceutical assistance (or at least less reliance on it). 

Techniques like journaling, relaxation exercises, and exposure therapy can help you confront and overcome challenges. 

One of the great things about CBT is that it enables you to practice these new skills both in and out of therapy sessions. Doing so gives you the confidence and ability to manage triggers effectively in real-world situations. 

3. CBT focuses on present challenges 

Unlike some forms of psychotherapy that delve into past experiences, CBT prioritizes the present. If you have an anxiety or depression disorder, this emphasis on current challenges can provide immediate relief, helping you address symptoms and behaviors that affect your daily life. 

For example, if you’re under a lot of stress at work, and it’s worsening your anxiety symptoms, your CBT sessions might focus on time management techniques, assertive communication skills, and relaxation practices, all tools to improve your well-being right now. 

4. CBT is backed by research and proven results 

Don’t just take our word for it. Numerous studies affirm that CBT is effective for anxiety and depression and show that it performs as well as or better than medications, providing lasting results without side effects.

The American Psychological Association states that CBT has consistently demonstrated significant improvements in functioning and quality of life for those with mental health concerns and helps reduce the risk of relapse. 

5. CBT is convenient and accessible through telehealth 

Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy offers telehealth sessions for those unable to attend in person. CBT through telehealth connects you with licensed therapists from the comfort of your own home, making care accessible and convenient. 

Remote sessions are beneficial if you’re:

• Experiencing limited mobility or transportation issues
• Living in rural or distant communities
• Juggling busy schedules that prevent in-office visits 

With telehealth, you receive the same level of personalized care as an in-person visit and the flexibility to fit therapy into your routine. 

Call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy or book online today to learn more about our CBT services or to schedule a telehealth session.