As you look for a therapist or counselor, you will undoubtedly encounter a large variety of theoretical orientations and counseling techniques. You will almost certainly see therapists that utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy anyway? How can it help your child? Are there ever any times that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is not recommended or indicated?

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most common evidence-based practice used in the mental health field. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron Beck. It has been found to be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, gambling addiction, smoking cessetation, eating disorders, and for managing the symptoms of Schizophrenia when used in combination with medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is present focused, which means that it focuses on symptoms and problems in the “here and now” rather than an individual’s past. It is very structured and usually lasts 12-16 sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy emphasizes the close relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A core belief of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the premise that our reactions to a situation or event are more closely related to our perception (our thoughts about the event) than the reality of the event. During each session, the therapist works with his or her client to identify problematic thoughts and behaviors. Once these are identified, he or she works with the client to replace problematic thoughts, implement developmentally appropriate coping skills, and replace unhelpful behaviors.

How can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Your Child?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to be very effective for treating a variety of mental health conditions in children over the age of eight. For children between the ages of three and seven, some clinicians utilize a modified form of CBT where the child’s parent actively participates in each session. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be used to help treat anxiety, depression, suicidality, substance use problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem, obsessive compulsive disorder, tic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and sleep disorders in children and adolescents. For CBT to be helpful without a parent present, the child or teen must have a basic awareness of his or her thoughts.

A specific type of CBT, Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT) is often used to treat children and adolescents between the ages of three and 18 who have experienced sexual abuse or other traumas. It is effective for treating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder related to a traumatic experience in children and teens.

Like with adults, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist will work with your child or teen to understand how his or her thoughts, behaviors, and feelings affect one another. The therapist will work with your child or teen to identify unhelpful thoughts or behaviors and to implement coping skills.

When is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Contraindicated?

Like all therapies, there are times when Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is inappropriate. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy needs to be adapted in order to be effective with young children (under the age of eight) and children or teens with intellectual impairments or traumatic brain injuries. If your child has a substantial mood disorder, it may be necessary for him or her to start medication prior to entering therapy.

Trauma-Focused CBT is contraindicated for kids and teens who are actively using substances. TF-CBT is also contraindicated for teens who exhibited substantial conduct and behavioral problems prior to their trauma.