Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is so helpful for so many people, treating:

Psychiatric

• • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression (not all depressive disorders have been shown effectively treated by CBT, therefore an accurate & thorough evaluation for the type and severity of depression should be conducted prior to determining which therapy should be used, and the pros and cons of medication)

  • Alcohol & substance abuse

  • Non-substance addictions (e.g., sexual, internet, video game, gambling, etc.)

  • Phobias (exposure therapy, gradually and more comfortably helping the client to face and conquer fears, is used with many phobias)

  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD & ADD)

  • Panic disorder

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Personality disorders

  • Post-traumatic stress

  • Work-stress

  • Bulimia

  • Anorexia

  • Obesity

  • Tics (i.e., stress & anxiety may increase tics in many people, therefore CBT operates to reduce stress & anxiety)

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disorder, etc.)

Physical (CBT):

• • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Stuttering (stammering)

  • Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

  • Bruxism (tooth grinding)

  • Anxiety/stress induced physical symptoms (this can include stomach aches, tense muscles, high blood pressure, fast pulse, etc.)

  • Coping with the psychological effects of having physical illnesses

  • Susceptibility to chronic or otherwise debilitating stress-induced illnesses (the list is extensive, so we refer you to see here for a google search to learn more)

The above are only some examples of physical illnesses that can be aggravated by stress/anxiety, which may respond favorably to CBT. A good way to estimate how effective CBT would be for you is to look at a period of time, such as a week on vacation, when you are in a very relaxed state. If your symptoms go down dramatically, that would likely indicate how much CBT may be able to potentially help you [to the degree you can implement CBT and reduce stress]. Since work, family, etc. pressures can't always be fully overcome, CBT would seek to have you get as relaxed as is possible under such circumstances. Other therapies, such as family therapy for family issues, couple therapy for partner-relational issues, and work-stress therapy should also be helpful. Work-stress therapy may use CBT strategies.