Online Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Florida
Transform Your Story with: Cognitive
Behavior Therapy (CBT)
What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used, evidence-based treatment approach for a variety of mental health problems and conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, stress, and burn-out. It is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on the present. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected and impact each other. Therefore, if we can restructure and reframe how we think, we can subsequently change how we feel and behave. Likewise, if we can also change how we behave, we can subsequently change how we feel and think.
According to CBT, psychological problems occur when we get stuck on faulty (irrational, distorted, unrealistic, or harmful) ways of thinking and engage in learned patterns of unhelpful behaviors. As such, CBT treatment involves empowering individuals to place effort in changing faulty thinking and behavioral patterns. Treatment strategies include examining the power of our thoughts and reevaluating our cognitive belief system:
1. Core Beliefs
Our past experiences, starting in childhood, shape the core beliefs we have about
- Ourselves (e.g., I’m inadequate),
- Others (e.g., people are not trustworthy), and
- the World (e.g., It’s a dog-eat-dog world).
These beliefs are deeply ingrained assumptions that “color the lens” in which we see and interact with the world. For instance, if you grew up in an environment where you were constantly criticized, you may develop the idea that “I’m inadequate.” This belief can impact how you treat yourself, interact with others and make decisions. Although core beliefs can be hard to change, awareness can allow you to make conscious choices about how you want to handle them.
2. Intermediate Beliefs
Intermediate beliefs stem from our core beliefs. They tend to be more specific than core beliefs and are tied to distinct situations or experiences. For example, if I have the core belief that “I am inadequate,” then intermediate beliefs that could stem from my core thinking may include “I should be excellent at everything I do to be respected” and/or “weak people make mistakes.” Intermediate beliefs are the assumptions, attitudes, and rules--the “should” of our lives--that we’ve created to help make sense of our experiences and adapt to our negative core assumptions. This type of belief facilitates our problem-solving process and shields us from the deeper core beliefs that are often more painful. Unlike the core beliefs, the intermediate beliefs are flexible and can be changed over time, especially if challenged. It also serves as the mediator between our core thoughts and automatic thoughts.
3. Automatic Thoughts
Our brains process thousands of thoughts and ideas (automatic thoughts) every day, so a part of our brain functions like a sieve that filters out what it deems as important information. It narrows in on details of a situation and associates meaning with those details, allowing us to form our unique opinions and perspectives on life matters and essentially help us make decisions about how to move through life. For the most part, the filtering process works well, but at times the filter holds on to information that is less helpful and inaccurate. In other words, negative automatic thoughts that gain your attention have the potential to trigger intense negative emotions. For instance, if you believe that you should be in a powerful position to be respected (thought). Then, this thought will likely leave you concerned, unsettled, and anxiously motivated (feelings) to pursue your ideal position no matter what (behavior).
Oftentimes, we are more aware of the feelings associated with the thoughts that trigger them. With CBT, you will learn strategies to connect thoughts that are causing your uncomfortable feelings as well as identify and reframe common thinking errors so that you can feel the way you want to feel and do more of what you want to be doing.
Benefits of CBT
Here are some of the benefits of CBT:
- It is a goal-oriented therapy, so you and your therapist will work together to set specific goals aligned to how you want to feel and behaviors you want to change.
- It is a collaborative process, and you will be an active participant in your own treatment. Part of the process is to help you become your own therapist.
- It is a research-supported therapy, which means that it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health problems.
How Can CBT Therapy Help High Achieving Individuals?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help high achievers in a number of ways. It can help them to:
Identify and challenge negative thoughts
High achievers may have difficulty setting boundaries, and they may be overly focused on their work. CBT can help them to improve their communication skills, to set boundaries, and to have healthier relationships.
Develop coping skills
High achievers may not be very aware of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help them to increase their self-awareness, so that they can start to make changes in their lives.
Improve their relationships
High achievers may have difficulty setting boundaries, and they may be overly focused on their work. CBT can help them to improve their communication skills, to set boundaries, and to have healthier relationships.
Increase their self-awareness
High achievers may not be very aware of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help them to increase their self-awareness, so that they can start to make changes in their lives.
Reduce anxiety and depression
CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. It can help high achievers to reduce their anxiety and depression, so that they can focus on their work and their relationships.
If you are a high achiever who is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems, CBT may be a helpful option for you. Consult with mental health professionals to learn more about CBT and to see if it is right for you.
Tips for Achieving Success From CBT
Here are some additional tips for high achievers who are considering CBT therapy:
Find a therapist who is experienced in CBT
There are many mental health professionals that are highly trained to provide CBT. Narrowing down the one for you can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. To learn more about...(provide link to my page on “How do I find a Cognitive Behavior Therapist”)
Be willing to be open-minded
CBT is a different type of therapy than traditional talk therapy. It involves learning new skills and practicing them in your everyday life. Be willing to be open-minded and consistently implement new strategies you gain from therapy.
Be patient
Although you can experience some relief and change with each therapy session you have, don't expect to see major results overnight. Be patient and keep practicing the skills you learn.
If you are willing to put in the work, CBT can be a helpful therapy for high achievers who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or burnout.
How do I find a Cognitive Behavior Therapist?
Start your search for a therapist who can provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy by looking for a licensed professional: psychologist, mental health counselor, social worker or other credentialed mental health professions that have training and experience implementing ACT. While there are no certification requirements for therapists providing CBT, clinicians must have formal training in this theoretical modality in order to practice it. Be sure to ask about the therapist’s training and experience during your first meeting. It’s also important to note that while these credentials are important, it is also essential to choose a therapist that is the right match for you.
Find a therapist who is experienced in CBT
There are many mental health professionals that are highly trained to provide CBT, so narrowing down experienced CBT therapists can be a daunting task. You can start by asking your doctor or other healthcare providers for a referral. Also, do an online search for licensed mental health professionals.
Contact a mental health professional organization
There are many mental health professional organizations that can help you find a CBT therapist. These organizations can provide you with a list of therapists who are members of their organization and who are qualified to provide CBT.
Schedule a consultation
Once you have found a therapist that you are interested in, schedule a consultation. This will give you a chance to meet with the therapist and to see if they are a good fit for you.
Get Online CBT Therapy Treatment in Florida
Thank you for reading this resource on Cognitive Behavior Therapy – As a licensed psychologist of over 18 years, I have received formal experiential training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and I am a CBT practitioner. I also provide academic training and intensive clinical supervision to doctoral psychology students using this evidence-based therapeutic modality. My priority for you in therapy is to create a kind of space where you feel at ease, understood and connected so that you can be yourself and work on the matters most important to you. I will help you find self-compassion, curiosity and courage in the face of life’s most difficult experiences.
My clients are remarkable individuals. It is a privilege to earn their trust and share in their most personal experiences. I see my clients as heroes in their life story, and I am inspired by their courage, strength and resilience.
I am Donna Hillier, a licensed clinical psychologist serving high-achieving clients in Florida. I provide discreet services uniquely customized for high-profile personalities, public figures and elite individuals who desire genuine connection and help from a professional who truly understands.
Resources for CBT Therapy
Here are some great resources for CBT Therapy:
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Who Donna Treats
I am Donna Hillier, a licensed clinical psychologist serving high-achieving clients in Florida. I provide discreet services uniquely customized for high-profiled personalities, public figures and elite individuals who desire genuine connection and help from a professional who truly understands.
Where Donna Serves Clients
Donna provides services to clients globally online, as well as in person in the Fort Lauderdale and South Florida areas. Here are some of the great cities Donna serves in Florida: