Stress Management

The ALC team firmly believes that how we think and act has a great influence on how we feel. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, popularly referred to as CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that helps us understand that connection and helps us create options to change our behavior and subsequent emotions in a positive way.

Since CBT is based on the premise that our thoughts influence our actions and feelings, rather than external events such as people, situations, and circumstances, we are therefore more in control of our consequences than we may be aware.

Extensive research on the outcome success of cognitively based therapies support the notion that we can change the way we think and act which will result in us feeling better, even if the situation does not change.

CBT is essentially a general term, which can refer to a number of similar treatment approaches. It is considered among the most rapid in terms of results obtained. After the initial intake session, a mandate is agreed upon and specific goals are set.

Therefore, CBT has a finite time limit and not an open-ended one, which is more typical of more traditional, psychoanalytically based therapies.

Be prepared to work. The ALC team works very hard at teaching individuals techniques to cognitively reframe their negative thoughts, and torespond in more flexible ways to emotional distress. and to change their behavior. However, this is a collaborative effort.

After the therapeutic goals are established, the therapist’s role is to help the individual learn how to apply the techniques discussed in therapy in their daily life between sessions. The therapist’s role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the individual’s roles is to express concerns, learn, and apply that learning in their real world.