Understanding CBT: an effective and concrete approach to get better
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, or CBT, are today among the most used psychotherapeutic approaches and the best validated by scientific research. Recommended by many health authorities, they are aimed at people who wish to better understand their psychological difficulties and learn how to overcome them in a concrete way.
Key takeaways
- CBT are therapies validated by scientific research, based on the link between thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
- They developed from the 1950s, with Albert Ellis and Aaron T. Beck.
- Three waves followed: behavioral, cognitive, then mindfulness and acceptance.
- Therapeutic work is based on three axes: cognitive, behavioral and experimentation.
- Virtual reality reinforces CBT by allowing progressive and secure exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
A therapy born from observation and science
CBT developed from the 1950s, in a context where traditional approaches, such as psychoanalysis, dominated the therapeutic scene. Psychologists like Albert Ellis and Aaron T. Beck then proposed a new way of approaching psychological suffering: by focusing on thoughts, emotions and observable behaviors.
Their central idea is simple: what we think influences how we feel and how we act. If we modify certain thought patterns or certain behavioral habits, we can significantly improve our emotional state.
The three waves of CBT
- The first wave is inspired by behaviorism, centered on learning and conditioning. It is based on the idea that problematic behaviors can be “unlearned” through desensitization or exposure techniques.
- The second wave, in the 1970s and 80s, added work on thoughts. It introduces the notions of dysfunctional beliefs, automatic thoughts, and cognitive self-regulation.
- The third wave, more recent, integrates notions such as mindfulness, acceptance, compassion or personal values. It does not always seek to change thoughts, but sometimes to modify the way we relate to them.
How do the CBT work?
Therapeutic work is based on three main axes:
- Cognitive work: understanding and questioning your automatic, often unrealistic or exaggerated thoughts.
- Behavioral work: modify problematic behaviors or avoid certain anxiety-provoking situations through progressive exercises.
- Experimentation: learning through direct experience, often by leaving one's comfort zone little by little.
Action-oriented therapy
A modern and active therapy. The CBT aim to make the person an actor of their own change, by working on what maintains their difficulties in the present.
Rather than limiting themselves to talking, they encourage concrete exercises between sessions: role-playing, relaxation, logbooks, etc.
In this dynamic approach, virtual reality brings a real plus. It allows you to recreate, in complete safety, anxiety-provoking situations such as flying or speaking in public. The patient can thus gradually expose himself to his fears, in a controlled and effective manner. Integrated into therapy, this technology reinforces the impact of CBT, particularly in anxiety disorders and phobias.
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For which disorders are CBT effective?
CBT have shown their effectiveness in a large number of psychological disorders, including:
- Anxiety disorders (phobias, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, generalized anxiety)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Addictions (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, screens, etc.)
- Personality disorders
- Certain disorders in children or adolescents (separation anxiety, behavioral disorders)
CBT and Virtual Reality FAQ
What is the role of the Camille AI assistant in a CBT?
Camille is an AI assistant that accompanies the patient without judgment during therapeutic exposures. He acts as a trusted person in whom the patient can confide, in addition to the virtual characters present in certain scenes.
Are CBT sessions just about talking?
No, the CBT are not limited to speech. They encourage concrete exercises between sessions: role-playing, relaxation, logbooks. The patient becomes an actor of his own change by working on what maintains his difficulties in the present.
Does virtual reality replace classic therapy?
No, virtual reality does not replace therapy, it reinforces it. Integrated into the CBT, it allows you to safely recreate anxiety-provoking situations such as flying or speaking in public, for progressive exposure, particularly in anxiety disorders and phobias.
Who developed the CBT and what idea are they based on?
CBT were developed beginning in the 1950s by psychologists such as Albert Ellis and Aaron T. Beck. Their central idea: our thoughts influence our emotions and our behaviors. Changing certain thought patterns helps improve your emotional state.
Are CBT recognized by scientific research?
Yes, CBT are among the most used psychotherapeutic approaches and the best validated by scientific research. They are recommended by many health authorities to help patients understand and overcome their psychological difficulties.
Can the CBT be offered to children or adolescents?
Yes, CBT can treat certain disorders in children or adolescents, such as separation anxiety or behavioral disorders. These disorders are among those for which the effectiveness of CBT has been shown.
Why use virtual reality in the field of mental health?
It allows progressive and controlled exposure in a secure setting, reproducible and realistic scenarios, increased patient engagement thanks to its immersive aspect, and personalized care thanks to virtual environments adaptable to the needs of each patient.
Do I have access to all virtual reality environments?
Yes, all the environments offered are grouped within a single application.
Author
C2Care
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