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CBT (disambiguation) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. It's a common and effective way to help with many challenges, like feeling worried or sad.

CBT focuses on solving problems in the present. It teaches you skills to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's not just about talking; it's about learning practical tools you can use in your daily life.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a popular form of psychotherapy. It helps people identify and change negative or unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. The main idea behind CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all linked. If we can change one part, it can help change the others.

How Does CBT Work?

CBT works by helping you become aware of your thoughts. Sometimes, our thoughts can be biased or unhelpful. For example, you might think, "I'm always going to fail," even if you've succeeded before. CBT helps you challenge these thoughts.

It also looks at your behaviors. If certain actions make you feel worse, CBT helps you find new, more helpful ways to act. It's a very practical approach.

The Link Between Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions

Imagine you have a thought like, "I'm going to mess up this presentation."

  • Thought: "I'm going to mess up."
  • Feeling: You might feel anxious or nervous.
  • Action: You might avoid practicing or rush through it.

CBT helps you break this cycle. You learn to notice the thought, challenge it (Is it really true? What's the evidence?), and then choose a different action (like practicing more).

Who Can CBT Help?

CBT can be helpful for many different people and situations. It's often used to help with:

  • Feeling very worried or anxious
  • Feeling sad or down
  • Dealing with stress
  • Managing anger
  • Improving self-esteem

It's a flexible therapy that can be adapted for different ages, including teenagers.

What Happens in a CBT Session?

In a CBT session, you usually meet with a trained therapist. They will guide you through the process.

  • Setting Goals: You and your therapist will talk about what you want to achieve.
  • Learning Skills: The therapist teaches you specific techniques. These might include identifying negative thoughts or practicing new behaviors.
  • Homework: Often, you'll have "homework" between sessions. This means practicing the skills you learned in real-life situations. This is how you apply what you learn.

Common CBT Techniques

Some common techniques used in CBT include:

  • Cognitive Restructuring: This means learning to identify and change unhelpful thoughts. You might ask yourself, "Is there another way to look at this?"
  • Behavioral Experiments: This involves testing out new behaviors. For example, if you're afraid to speak in class, you might try speaking up once.
  • Exposure Therapy: For fears, this involves gradually facing what you are afraid of in a safe way.
  • Relaxation Techniques: Learning ways to calm your body, like deep breathing.

Is CBT Right for Me?

If you're finding it hard to deal with certain feelings or situations, talking to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counselor can be a good first step. They can help you explore if CBT or another type of support might be helpful for you. CBT is a collaborative process, meaning you work together with your therapist.

CBT is a widely researched therapy. Many studies show that it can be very effective in helping people feel better and learn important life skills.

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CBT (disambiguation) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.