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Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program
Robbi T. Saletsky, Ph.D.
Director, Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program
Adult Psychiatry Clinic
SUNY Upstate Medical University
713 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-464-3115
What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a structured, problem focused psychological treatment approach in which the therapist teaches specific strategies to improve the client's well-being and overall functioning. Research has shown that CBT is an effective treatment, equal to or better than medications in many circumstances for a wide range of problems including depression and anxiety disorders.
A basic premise of CBT is that your thoughts and beliefs have the greatest impact on how you feel and behave. Anxiety and depression are seen as a result of distorted thinking patterns that determine the way a person interprets the events in his or her life. These learned, automatic thought patterns have a profound effect on how a person feels and behaves.
How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Works
CBT aims to help clients modify their thinking patterns. Treatment focuses on helping clients adopt a realistic, more accurate perspective that affects emotions in a positive way.
CBT involves developing new behaviors and unlearning old behaviors that are maintaining anxiety or depression. Strategies may include some of the following:
- Confronting feared situations with goal of overcoming fears
- Scheduling activities that provide mastery and pleasure
- Developing skills to improve relationships, be assertive, speak effectively in public or get along with others
- Learning to problem-solve or make effective decisions
- Overcoming procrastination
- Relaxation skills
Advantages of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Research-based with demonstrated effectiveness
- Short-term (12-15 sessions on average)
- Cost-effective (due to fewer sessions)
- Skill building focus reduces length of treatment and risk for relapse
- Lasting results!
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