[Orvel]

Today was my 13th session. I know that my T mentioned CBT during the first session. I've read that CBT is structured so I asked her what kind of treatment she is using, since this does not have a structure, I asked if it was psychoanalysis. She said that she is using CBT, but it is not structured, that she treats "as we go". She is experienced, she says she has 25 years of experience. At first she gave me homework, she stopped about 5-6 weeks ago.

[laxer12]

CBT is a general structure that can be adapted for specific needs. I was trying to understand it too and as a Psychology major, I didn't think my T was actually using it even though she said she was. I read a short book on it, "Introcucing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Practical Guide" and as I read it, I noticed that my T was using almost everything in the book.

The book is a pretty quick read and it helped me understand the approach a lot better. A big part of CBT is "homework" but my T rarely ever gives me homework. If she does, it's generally because I don't have an answer to a question and she tells me to explore it more throughout the next week.

CBT can also be meshed with a few different techniques. I know my T also uses mindfulness techniques without explicitly stating that she is using them.

Anyway, give the book a try, or any other kind of book and it might help you make a little more sense of your T's approach.

[kaliope]

i know my t used cbt with me but there was no structure to it. when i was using thinking errors, out came the cbt a couple sessions to work on my thinking. sessions were basically focused on what ever i was having difficulty with the day i came in so if cbt was the appropriate way to address it, then we did cbt. sometimes it was existential, sometimes exposure, it always varied. very ecclectic.

I despise CBT so probably not the right person to ask. But mine was all about goal setting and shiz.

[Willowleaf]

My t isn't CBT but I know she often uses the principles with me when it fits. It is unstructured and I never have homework unless like laxer she wants me to think on it. I am in long term therapy. One friend who went into short term therapy however took a sole CBT approach and her sessions were very structured with books to read and homework. I hope your sessions work for you which I think is the main thing. For me I need some elements of CBT to cope, but a lot of time working through larger long term issues properly.

[laxer12]

Originally Posted by 8888an8888

I despise CBT so probably not the right person to ask. But mine was all about goal setting and shiz.

I haven't done any goal setting in my therapy. Goal setting doesn't really work for me when it comes to my mental health so I prefer it that way. Some T's a HUGE on goal setting but it just feels forced when I do it and I probably wouldn't like CBT if that's how my T used it.

My T was very behaviorally/CBT/REBT focused, but not in a homeworky, structured, work****** way. It was HIGHLY helpful and absolutely the most useful therapy modality for me to work on all those old mistaken beliefs and thinking craziness I used to divulge in. It helped me calm my thinking and emotions to a place where the anxiety and depression no longer run my life.

[Orvel]

So I am not the only one, good to know.