When Your Inner Voice is Dark, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is Your Answer.

When Your Inner Voice is Dark, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is Your Answer.

As a therapist, there is no "right" way to work with clients. I recall during graduate school and even after years practicing as a social worker, I would feel a sense of anxiety building when I would be asked about my methodology as a therapist. I would panic and feel that there was a "right" answer to this question. After more than a decade in this business, I find myself returning to the common refrain that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is often the easiest to understand, but also incredibly effective.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

This method of therapy evaluates the connection between that inner voice and the patterns you have developed over time. Simply put, my clients who have experienced trauma have a tendency to have poor body image, poor self worth, and fear of being judged negatively by others. This tiny voice in the back of your mind can be filled with anxiety and very dark thoughts. CBT is a method that (with practice and therapy) can begin to unwind these dark thought patterns and replace them with something less harsh.

The key to understanding CBT for me, was the moment when I realized that CBT did not mean to paint a rosy or unrealistic version of truth. I wasn't telling my clients to "pretend" that life was wonderful and that their trauma wasn't real. Instead, the goal is simply replacing the darkness with reality, which is usually very neutral.

If your boss walks past you at work, what does that glance mean?

With trauma, that glance may mean you are stupid, worthless, lazy, and useless.

After CBT, that glance may be just a nod. That's it.

So CBT is a challenging of thought patterns that can be incredibly dark. Instead you will work with your therapist to reframe your thoughts with a more reality based version of life.

If you are looking for a therapist, please contact support@bridgetowellnesscounselingsf.com

www.BridgetoWellnessCounselingSF.com or 415-870-6494 or Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW

Please note: The information provided in this blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not meant to be mental health advice, therapy, or guidance of any kind. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you need to reach the National Suicide Hotline please dial 988.