Holistic Addiction Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy NYC
Understanding The Benefits of CBT Techniques for Substance Abuse
Straining against alcohol and substance use disorder has a way of siphoning all the enjoyment from life. Over time, it becomes harder and harder to extract yourself from harmful patterns. Your brain and your body are working against you, feeding the cycle. What if you had it already within you to break that cycle and activate change? To identify what is in your way and systematically break it down. To forge healthier pathways and finally experience peace, balance, and safety. That is what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can do.
Whether you realize it or not, many of these patterns can be influenced—for better or worse—by your thoughts and emotions, with the right direction and support. But this is a skill that must be cultivated and sharpened like a tool. At Ascendant NY, we can help you navigate difficult thoughts and emotions to change how you perceive life, circumstances, and challenges. As you face them with compassionate support, you’re equipped to overcome them and live the life you were always meant to have. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, we can help.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy that explores the connection between thoughts and emotions and the subsequent behavior. When applying CBT for substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and the like, this framework identifies the distorted thoughts that influence dangerous or undesirable actions and behaviors with the goal of changing them.[1]
By understanding how these internal patterns impact external ones, CBT for addiction can help you or your loved one cultivate new, healthier patterns from the inside out. CBT is widely regarded as a secondary treatment for serious mental health conditions like Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and a first-line treatment for a myriad of disorders, including: [2]
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders (panic attacks, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, etc.)
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Personality disorders
In most cases, CBT is intended to be a short-term intervention that focuses on seeing specific goals or outcomes realized. This evidence-based approach is appropriate for nearly any clinical setting, in both individual therapy and group therapy formats, from inpatient rehab to outpatient programs and telehealth, depending on your unique needs.
How (and Why) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works
The cognitive therapy approach uncovers detrimental thought patterns that keep you stuck in negative or dangerous behaviors. Working with a mental health clinician or counselor, you can learn to cultivate healthy coping skills and develop stronger emotional regulation to restore balance in your life.
The crux of the CBT approach is to focus on identified problems occurring right now and find practical solutions.[3] Unlike other forms of psychiatry, where the premise is to analyze events from the past. You can learn to cope better with symptoms and improve overall well-being through problem-solving techniques, mindfulness, and relaxation. [4]
At Ascendant NY, CBT is a cornerstone of our therapy and treatment approach. When you change your mind and your thinking patterns; when you act in alignment with new, healthier thinking patterns, you become the best version of yourself and improve your quality of life. Our expert providers are here to help you activate those changes.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Addiction
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most researched form of psychotherapy and has seen success in multiple applications across the full spectrum of mental health and co-occurring disorders.[5] A number of studies support that this gold-standard intervention leads to significant improvement in quality of life and can be more effective than other forms of therapy and even some medications.[6]
CBT for substance use disorders has also been shown to have a lasting positive impact on patients, persisting through the follow-up period and with success rates 58% higher than those who did not participate.[7] Outside of treatment outcomes and the benefits of CBT for addiction, there are other proven advantages, like helping you better manage stressful situations and improve communication or relationship issues.[8]
What to Expect from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy NYC
At Ascendant NY, CBT for substance abuse and mental health concerns is built into the DNA of all of our treatment programs. This evidence-based, holistic approach to treatment and recovery is so much more than therapy; it’s active participation in healing.
The common structure for general CBT sessions often follows this framework: [9]
Updates and Mood Assessment
This is the initial check in period where we discuss any recent developments and assess current state or mood.
Bridging Previous Sessions
To create continuity, we’ll connect today’s material with previous sessions.
Determine An Agenda
This is a collaboration between provider and patient to set the agenda or goal for the current session.
Reviewing Homework
The homework assignment from the previous session is discussed.
Discussion According To The Agenda
As planned, you will cover the topics discussed when you set the agenda.
New Homework Is Assigned
Based on today’s needs and your overall goals, a new assignment will be given to work on in the interim before the next session.
Feedback and Summaries
Throughout the whole session, the clinician will provide feedback and summarize what has been discussed, with a final, concise summary at the end.
Unlike other types of therapy, this should be viewed as a collaborative process in which you work with your provider to identify and overcome barriers to change, such as negative thoughts, fear, and the like. It can help you become more self-sufficient and develop greater independence in every aspect of life.
What are examples of CBT homework assignments?
Each patient’s experience and needs will be different, and it’s possible that no two patients will be given the exact same assignment. However, some common examples of CBT therapy homework may include journaling, facing fears and phobias, ways to build confidence and self-esteem, continuing to develop coping skills, role-playing different scenarios, and more.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Ascendant NY
At Ascendant, CBT and addiction go hand-in-hand because we recognize that recovery is deeply personal. In order to be successful in sobriety, you must first better understand yourself and how you function from the inside out.
With a strong holistic approach, our services at Ascendant emphasize the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit with all medical and therapeutic practices. We’re unwavering in our commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care that goes beyond the symptoms of addiction to reveal and challenge the underlying concerns. This commitment is our promise to you, ensuring your journey to recovery is based on the best available practices.
From detox and medication-assisted treatment to residential treatment and outpatient programs, the principles of CBT are infused wherever possible. This approach helps to support our patients to become stronger mentally, emotionally, and spiritually while they work hard to get healthier physically.
Every treatment plan is custom-tailored treatment to the individual needs of every patient to ensure a seamless and positive experience. Many of those on our treatment have a personal connection to substance use disorders and are committed to providing the highest quality care with the greatest level of compassion.
Welcome to your transformation. Welcome to Ascendant, NY.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy NYC
Each patient’s treatment plan will vary, and so, therefore, will the cost of treatment. The cost of CBT therapy in NYC depends on a number of factors, including the level of care needed, the substance in question, if any medication-assisted therapy is prescribed, how long treatment is expected to last, whether or not insurance is covering some or all of your care, and more. To determine the cost for you, please call our offices, and we will walk you through everything you need to know.
Yes, CBT is different from Dialectical behavioral therapy or DBT. CBT focuses on identifying and changing harmful thought patterns. DBT is a better fit for those with intense emotions to better help them achieve emotional balance and develop resilience.
Yes! The applications and benefits of CBT are appropriate for both addiction and co-occurring mental health issues because you’re digging into the underlying influences of harmful patterns. At Ascendant NY, each CBT session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient and help them be successful in all aspects of life.
[1][2][9]Chand, S. P. (2023a, May 23). Cognitive behavior therapy. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/
[3][4]U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2022, June 2). In brief: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). InformedHealth.org [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279297/
[5]David, D., Cristea, I., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018, January 29). Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the current gold standard of psychotherapy. Frontiers in psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5797481/
[6]American Psychological Association. (n.d.). What is cognitive behavioral therapy?. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
[7]Carroll, K. M., & Kiluk, B. D. (2017, December). Cognitive behavioral interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders: Through the stage model and back again. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714654/
[8]Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019, March 16). Cognitive behavioral therapy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610