Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) in
Colorado
Behavioral therapy can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and managing substance use disorders. At Drift Behavioral Health, we offer personalized, evidence-based therapies like CBT to help you change unhelpful patterns and build real-life coping skills.
What Is Behavioral Therapy and CBT?
Behavioral therapy is a category of treatment that focuses on identifying and changing negative behaviors. It’s backed by research and widely used to support long-term mental health. One of the most well-known forms is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT was developed in the 1960s by psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Beck. He noticed that many of his patients struggled with automatic negative thoughts and found that changing these thought patterns helped improve their mood and behavior. Since then, CBT has become one of the most effective and widely used therapies worldwide.
CBT is shown to be effective for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, substance use, and more. It’s considered a go-to therapy for many providers because it helps people learn tools they can actually use in day-to-day life.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Used For?
CBT is a versatile form of psychotherapy. It can support people facing a variety of challenges. At Drift, we use cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat:
- Anxiety: Helps reduce overthinking, panic attacks, and avoidance.
- Depression: Focuses on breaking the cycle of negative thoughts and lack of motivation.
- ADHD: Supports organization, time management, and self-monitoring.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Reduces intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- Insomnia: CBT helps reshape thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep.
- Substance Use Disorders: Addresses cravings and teaches coping strategies.
How Does CBT Work?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that negatively impact their well-being. It focuses on the present and teaches tools that can help you navigate stress, relationships, and daily challenges.
Core Tenets of CBT
CBT is structured and goal-oriented. Its key elements include:
- Identifying cognitive distortions: Recognizing unhelpful patterns like catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking.
- Cognitive restructuring: Challenging and reframing those thoughts to make them more balanced.
- Behavioral activation: Encouraging small actions that lead to positive change.
- Coping skill development: Teaching tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers.
CBT typically follows a step-by-step process:
- Assessment: You and your therapist explore your symptoms, goals, and what brought you to therapy.
- Education: You learn how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings work together.
- Skill-building: You practice exercises and strategies to make positive changes.
- Maintenance: You create a plan to keep using these skills beyond therapy.
CBT exercises are practical tools used during and between sessions. Examples include:
- Journaling to track thoughts and moods
- Thought records to challenge negative thinking
- Activity scheduling to encourage follow-through
- Relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce anxiety
CBT vs. DBT
CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are closely related but used for different reasons. Both therapies are evidence-based and used at Drift depending on your unique needs.
CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. DBT includes these elements but adds mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation skills. DBT is especially helpful for intense emotions, self-harming behaviors, or borderline personality disorder.
The Benefits of Trauma-Informed CBT
Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) is a special form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed for people who have experienced trauma. It combines traditional CBT skills with trauma-informed techniques that emphasize safety, trust, and emotional processing.
At Drift, our counselors are trained in trauma-focused CBT. We understand that trauma takes a toll on the mind and body, and we meet you with compassion and personalized care every step of the way.
Outpatient Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Programs at Drift
We offer several levels of outpatient CBT depending on your needs, schedule, and goals. Each program includes therapy, support, and medication management as needed.
This level of care offers full-day therapy and structured treatment 5 to 6 days a week.
An IOP provides 3 to 5 days per week of focused therapy that fits around your responsibilities.
You can attend cognitive-behavioral therapy online through Zoom. Includes therapy, medication, and at-home support services.
Based in Colorado? Start Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Today
CBT can help you feel more in control, more confident, and more equipped to handle life. At Drift Behavioral Health, we’ll help you take the first step toward change, with expert care that meets you where you are. Reach out today to explore your therapy options in Colorado or online.
FAQs
Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work?
Yes. CBT is one of the most researched and effective therapies for a wide range of mental health conditions.
What principle underlies cognitive-behavioral therapy?
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. Changing one can help improve the others.
Is CBT the same as cognitive processing therapy?
No. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific form of CBT used for PTSD. It focuses on trauma-related thoughts and beliefs.
Is doing CBT therapy online as effective as in-person CBT therapy?
Absolutely. Studies show online CBT is just as effective as in-person treatment for many people, especially when delivered by trained providers.
What is TF-CBT?
TF-CBT stands for Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. It’s designed to help people recover from trauma in a structured, safe way.
Is CBT the best therapy for anxiety?
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps reduce worry, improve emotional control, and build coping skills.
