Empowering Young People Through CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children, Teens & Young Adults
Young people face unique emotional and psychological hurdles as they grow and develop. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven, effective approach designed to help people of all ages manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a constructive way.
How Is CBT Different at Newport?
Our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where young people can learn valuable coping skills, enhance their emotional resilience, and foster a positive mindset. Through engaging and age-appropriate techniques, CBT empowers young people to identify negative thought patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop healthier responses to life’s challenges.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is a form of talk therapy based in the work of psychiatrist Aaron Beck. Beck believed that most of our suffering derives from the way we interpret what happens to us, or what might happen to us, as opposed to the reality of what occurs. Therefore, changing our interpretations relieves our suffering by allowing us to experience the world in a more positive light.
One of the central tenets of CBT is that thoughts affect emotions, and these emotional responses then affect behavior. Following this logic, allowing distorted thoughts to grow leads to difficult emotions and, subsequently, destructive actions. On the other hand, positive thinking leads to positive emotions, and thus to positive and beneficial behaviors.
Start the Conversation
Talk to a clinical expert to see if CBT is right for you or a loved one.
What Mental Health Conditions Does CBT Treat?
CBT has been proven to be effective in the treatment of the following disorders and conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma and PTSD
- Panic attacks
- Bipolar disorder
- Problem substance use
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Phobias, including social anxiety
In addition to treating these mental health disorders, therapists can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods to help with grief and loss, low self-esteem, insomnia, teen and young adult relationship issues such as codependency, chronic pain, and general life stress.
CBT is considered the gold standard of treatment approaches, as a large body of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy research has validated its effectiveness and successful outcomes.
What to Expect in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Sessions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treatment begins with an initial CBT session in which the therapist asks about the client’s symptoms—both emotional and physical—as well as specific challenges they are currently facing.
In addition, the therapist and client will discuss the goals of the CBT sessions, and what CBT benefits they hope to gain. Perhaps they want to overcome social anxiety or learn to get in an airplane again after a turbulent flight.
CBT sessions with young children are interactive and engaging, using play and creativity to help them understand and manage their thoughts and emotions effectively.
CBT Methods
Some of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods that may be used in CBT sessions include:
- Exposure therapy, a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety and OCD in which the client is gradually exposed to frightening or anxiety-producing situations or thoughts, while learning healthy coping skills for dealing with the emotions that come up
- Reframing or restructuring catastrophic thinking and distorted beliefs toward more realistic and positive thoughts
- Guided discovery, in which the therapist asks questions that help the client challenge their own beliefs and become aware of other perspectives
- Shifting self-talk from critical and negative to compassionate and constructive
- Thought recording, in which the client looks at evidence both for and against their negative beliefs and uses the evidence to support a more positive and realistic outlook
- Writing and journaling as a way to reflect on thoughts and progress
- Scheduling rewarding and positive self-care activities to engage in on a daily basis
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises
Results-Driven Care
See how young people in our care receiving CBT and other evidence-based modalities experienced 50 percent reductions in depression and suicidal thoughts.
CBT as Part of Our Comprehensive Care Model
Mental health issues can impact anyone, at any age, at any time. Newport has programs that support children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18 at Newport Academy, and young adults ages 18–35 at Newport Institute. We treat primary mental health and co-occurring disorders.
With locations across the country, and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make access to mental healthcare accessible and affordable for families. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that altering negative thoughts can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors, ultimately improving mental health.
CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and phobias. It can also be beneficial for managing stress and improving coping skills.
A typical CBT session involves a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. Sessions usually begin with the client discussing their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist helps identify negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions. Together, they work on developing coping strategies, setting goals, and practicing new skills through exercises and homework assignments.
While CBT is a highly effective treatment for many individuals, it may not work for everyone. Factors such as the severity of the condition, the individual’s willingness to engage in the process, and the presence of co-occurring disorders can influence its effectiveness. It’s important for individuals to discuss their specific needs and treatment options with a qualified mental health professional to determine the best approach for them.
