While therapists developed CBT to treat depression, experts now use the method to treat many other mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD).
The basic premise of CBT is that people develop unhealthy patterns of thinking based on past experiences. For example, someone diagnosed with a mental illness such as depression may believe they have little control over their lives or must always be unhappy. These negative thoughts can spiral into feelings of hopelessness and despair and make it more difficult for them to cope with their symptoms.
CBT therapy aims to help individuals examine their thoughts and identify and correct any irrational beliefs that may be causing them distress. By challenging these beliefs and learning to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones, clients can improve their mood and cope with their condition more effectively.
In some cases, the therapist may recommend working with a specialist to help treat co-occurring disorders such as ADHD or an eating disorder. They can then integrate the individual’s treatment goals with the overall health of their mind and body to ensure comprehensive care.