Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | The Midtown Practice Skip to the content

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Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy in NYC

Schedule a Free Consultation

Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy in NYC

Schedule a Free Consultation

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

A fundamental principle behind CBT is that you can learn to control painful mood swings and self-defeating behaviors by changing how you view and react to difficult life events and feelings. A large body of research has shown that CBT is efficacious (it works) and effective (it works well) for a variety of mental health disorders. It has also been shown to improve quality of life and relationships.

At the heart of CBT is the principle that your feelings are the result of the messages you tell yourself. To put it another way, you are what you think. Shakespeare said in Hamlet, “for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

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The core principle of CBT is that your problems are based in part on incorrect or counterproductive thoughts that you have learned. In addition, our self-destructive behavior patterns negatively affect our mental well-being. CBT teaches individuals improved ways of coping and helps them to recognize distortions in thinking. The end result is a more effective way of living and improved quality of life.

Unlike other forms of therapy, CBT focuses on the here and now and is skills based. It is short-term and goal-oriented with a specific aim: to alter maladaptive emotional responses by changing thoughts and behaviors. CBT is founded in the belief that thoughts and behaviors are intertwined, that we can change our emotions and thoughts by learning to change behavior, and that we can change emotions and behaviors by changing our thoughts.

Unlike some other therapeutic approaches, CBT is not about exploring the roots of your bad moods. Rather, it assumes you are the victim of your own thoughts and beliefs, which you can control. The aim is to help you change the way you look at the world and challenge innate assumptions that lead to destructive thought patterns. Once you reevaluate your perspective, it becomes easier to use problem solving skills and develop a greater sense of agency and self-sufficiency.

CBT has been demonstrated to be effective for depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, marital problems, and even severe mental illness. Studies report that CBT offers significant improvements in function and quality of life. Some studies indicate that it can be as effective as psychiatric medications and other forms of psychotherapy.

What are Maladaptive Coping Behaviors?

Maladaptive coping patterns are rigid behaviors that prevent you from adjusting to a new or troubling situation and increase your stress and anxiety. Maladaptive behaviors are self-destructive and self-defeating. These behaviors are generally learned and become habitual over time. A maladaptive behavior can provide temporary relief but frequently aggravates the problem.

Some Examples of Maladaptive Coping Behaviors Include:

  • Avoidance
  • Withdrawal
  • Passive aggressiveness
  • Self-harm
  • Anger
  • Substance use
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviors

Maladaptive coping behaviors are aggravated by stressors. They can lead to difficulty with relationships, poor social skills, difficulty taking responsibility for your behavior, and poor emotional regulation.

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How Do You Develop a Maladaptive Coping Behavior?

  • You may have learned it in childhood
  • Perhaps you didn’t have good role models of adaptive behaviors
  • Childhood as well as adult trauma can generate maladaptive coping behaviors

The Benefits of CBT

Fortunately, since these patterns of behavior are learned, you can be taught more productive, realistic ways of coping. The aim of CBT is to help you identify these automatic patterns and beliefs and their negative consequences. It can also help you to:

  • gain a better understanding of other people’s motivations and behaviors
  • learn problem-solving skills for more effective coping to stop self-sabotage
  • develop self confidence

Adaptive behaviors involve facing a problem and choosing to solve it to avoid an undesirable outcome. You may not like the choice, but you recognize that it is the best way to manage challenging circumstances. By identifying your own set of maladaptive coping strategies and how to substitute them with helpful behaviors, you can get out of your own way. You can learn to face your fears and calm yourself when under stress. In essence, CBT is a scientifically-proven technique to quickly improve your life, making you happier.

If you think you might be helped by CBT or have further questions about the treatment, please contact The Midtown Practice. The quality of your therapist has a great impact on the outcome. Our therapists are skillful, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you feel better, improve your quality of life, and effectively work through life’s challenges. We can show you a healthier path and teach you how to stay on that path to achieve the life you desire.

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Our Process
1

Connect

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with our highly trained Clinical Coordinator, Alli Malamut, by either:

2

Get matched

In order to find you an ideal fitting clinician or therapist, our Clinical Coordinator will want to learn more about you. Specifically, it would be helpful to hear about your concerns, personal preferences, and any relevant logistical matters (for example, in-person or video sessions? best time or day to meet?)

3

Check the fit

Connect with the clinician or therapist you are matched with to ask questions, share history, and make sure you feel comfortable about moving forward. If so, book your first session. If it does not feel right, circle back with us.

Schedule time to meet with your new clinician or therapist and work towards living a more fulfilling life! Over the years, we’ve found our thoughtful matching process is the surest way to find you an ideal clinician or therapist and achieve the best outcome for you.

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