Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, which helps individuals identify and change destructive thought patterns that have a negative influence on their behavior and emotions. With CBT, people learn to eliminate avoidant and safety-seeking behaviors that prevent self-correction.
Those suffering from a negative self-perception can benefit from CBT, as it improves the ability to cope with stress and promotes balanced thinking. Effective for various mental health problems, consider CBT for body dysmorphia disorder.
CBT for Negative Self-Perception
As stated by the National Library of Medicine, CBT techniques can be beneficial for those suffering from certain mental health disorders as well as those experiencing negative thoughts of self-perception. As a form of therapy, CBT assists those who are under stress, feeling pessimistic, or experiencing irrational thoughts.
Thankfully, CBT is an effective treatment. Whether you are struggling with negative thoughts, psychiatric disorders, or socio-behavioral problems, CBT is an excellent tool to help those in need.
When CBT Is Needed
CBT is effective in those struggling with mental problems, physical conditions, or behavioral issues. Consider CBT if you suffer from any of the following:
- Mental or psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety disorder, hypochondriasis, depression, developmental disability, attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bulimia nervosa)
- Physical conditions or psychosomatic illnesses (e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, breast cancer, and fibromyalgia)
Behavioral issues (e.g., weight problems, drug abuse, smoking, anti-social behaviors, and gambling) - CBT has proven to be beneficial for the above conditions. However, those with a negative self-perception may not only suffer from mental health problems, but also physical conditions or behavioral issues as well.
Because of this, CBT may focus on your thoughts and eating patterns. Those struggling with negative self-perception may refuse to eat in an attempt to lose weight, known as anorexia. Individuals may also struggle with bulimia nervosa, a process in which a person overeats, followed by self-induced vomiting.
Benefits of CBT on Negative Self-Perception
Those with a negative self-perception can find themselves caught up in endless cycles of depressing and sad thoughts about their attractiveness. Known as body dysmorphia disorder, this condition may present with an individual struggling with thoughts such as:
- If my body looked more attractive, would I feel better about myself?
- If I don’t lose weight, how can I ever be beautiful?
- No one will ever love me because I am not beautiful.
- I am worthless.
- I will never accomplish anything.
- I will never be pretty because of my hair, the size of my nose, my height, etc.
- These self-destructing thoughts can be damaging to individuals who do their best to deflect and manage the harmful thoughts. Unfortunately, these thoughts, along with many others, contribute to the person’s negative self-perception and self-worth.
What Does CBT Involve?
CBT can be beneficial for patients. Ultimately, CBT helps patients:
- Learn how to recognize distortions in thinking that create problems
- Use problem-solving skills to cope with stressful or difficult situations
- Become aware of any issues disrupting daily life
- Gain a better understanding of their own behavior as well as the motivation of others
- Learn to develop confidence in one’s own self
Changing a person’s thought patterns can be difficult, but frequent and consistent CBT can help fight back the negative thoughts. When treated with CBT, you can expect to:
- Discuss your health problems in detail with a professional
- Learn how to face your fears instead of avoiding them
- Learn to calm the mind and relax the body
- Discover healthy coping mechanisms
- Find out about other treatments, including medication options
Where to Find Treatment
Our center for cognitive-behavioral therapy at Cognitive Behavior Associates offers a wide range of mental health services. If you or a loved one suffers from negative self-perception, consider seeking out advice and treatment options from professionals. Contact us today to learn more about our CBT therapies.