What is CBT & How Does it Help With Healing Trauma?

What is CBT & How Does it Help With Healing Trauma?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by changing one aspect of this triangle, we can affect the others.

CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the case of trauma, CBT can help individuals process their experiences and learn coping skills to manage their emotions and behaviors.

Here’s how CBT can help with healing from trauma:

1. Identifying negative thought patterns: One of the first steps in CBT is to identify negative thought patterns, or “cognitive distortions,” that may be contributing to negative emotions and behaviors. These might include thoughts like “I’m completely alone in this,” “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not safe.” By identifying and challenging these thoughts, individuals can start to see the world in a more realistic and positive way.
2. Processing and resolving trauma: CBT can help individuals process and make sense of their traumatic experiences by exploring their thoughts and feelings about the event. This can involve talking about the trauma in a safe and supportive environment and learning coping skills to manage difficult emotions.
3. Developing healthy coping mechanisms: CBT can also help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage their emotions and behaviors in a more positive way. This might include techniques like relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and assertiveness training.
4. Improving relationships: Trauma can often have a negative impact on relationships, and CBT can help individuals improve their relationships with others. This might involve learning communication skills, setting boundaries, and working on trust and intimacy.

CBT is typically provided by a trained mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor. It is a collaborative process, with the therapist and client working together to identify goals and develop a treatment plan. CBT can be provided in individual or group settings, and may involve homework assignments to practice skills outside of therapy sessions.

Overall, CBT can be a helpful tool in healing from trauma by providing individuals with the skills and support they need to cope with their experiences in a healthy way.

Thought Record Log

This worksheet acts as a log for you to practice mindfulness at a deeper level.

Based on CBT principles of cognitive restructuring aka ‘rewiring your brain’, this record will assist you in clarifying your emotions, feelings, thoughts. and behaviors around triggering events. Especially helpful when healing from trauma and cPTSD.