Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

If you've ever heard the phrase, "Change your thoughts. Change your life," you have heard someone referring to CBT treatment methodology.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT for short) has become a popular acronym over the last decade when it comes to mental health treatment. Why? CBT is one of the most empirically supported methods that we have for addressing symptoms of various mental health conditions. It originated in the early 1900's and has been researched, tested, and re-tested for efficacy over the years .

CBT focuses on the synergetic relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. In theory, the way we respond to an event is based in the way that we interpret it via our thoughts and emotions. So what happens if the way that we think about an event isn't accurate? This is what we call a cognitive distortion. Cognitive distortions cause us to perceive experiences inaccurately, perpetuating the prevalence of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Our MFS therapist Jaclyn Rink, MSCP, LLP has put together a 3-part blog series of how to recognize the most common cognitive distortions and tips for how to handle them. Check out part one below, and stay tuned for next month's follow-up in our January newsletter.

A new monthly newsletter addition from our Dietitian and Eating Disorder Recovery Team.

Let's Challenge the Idea of

"New Year, New You."

With the new year coming right around the corner, it can feel natural to begin thinking about new year’s resolutions and ways we want to change or improve habits- especially dieting and exercise habits. A new year feels like a new chapter, a chance to shake things up. And while the sentiment is understandable, I want to challenge the notion that there has to be a new you (or less of you) as we make the journey from 2023 into 2024. 

The you that you are now, is valid and worthy, without any changes to your body or eating habits. You don’t need to change or mold yourself to a standard just because the calendar switches from Dec. 31st to Jan. 1st. While this is especially true right now, it is also true at any other point in the year.

If the idea of integrating some additional health behaviors feels approachable and desirable to you, here are a few non-weight related health behaviors you may be interested in considering:

• Make and keep regular doctor’s appointments and preventative screenings
• Take any medications you have as they are prescribed to you
• Set up a bedtime routine that increases the adequacy and consistency of your sleep
• Aim to eat enough and at regular intervals throughout the day, at least every 4 hours
• Incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily routine
• Make an effort to reach out to friends and family more often

Make your own joy jar....

We love this New Year's tradition that helps turn the mind towards gratitude. At the end of every week, write down one of the following on a post-it:

1. A good thing that happened to you
2. An accomplishment/achievement
3. Something fun you did
4. A personal affirmation
5. A happy memory

Put it in your "joy jar" and save it until next New Years. Then, empty it out and celebrate some of the special moments, achievements, and memories from the year. Celebrate you!