Do your thoughts often feel like a runaway freight train, leaving you overwhelmed and unable to regain control? If you struggle with an inner critic that constantly undermines your confidence, you’re not alone. Many individuals experience negative thoughts that can feel inescapable. At Epp Counseling, Rachele Epp, an experienced Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in Fort Myers, is here to help you navigate these challenges.
Overcome Common Negative Beliefs with CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively addresses pervasive negative beliefs that many people hold, such as:
- I’m not good enough.
- I’m a failure.
- I’m alone.
- I’m unwanted/unlovable.
- I’m unworthy.
- I should have known better.
- It’s my fault.
- I’m weak/powerless.
- I’m defective.
- I’m unsafe.
- I can’t trust others.
These beliefs often stem from painful experiences, many of which originated in childhood. They shape how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world.
Understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected is vital. A single thought can trigger a chain reaction–affecting how we feel and ultimately determining how we act. Negative beliefs lead to negative emotions, which often result in unhelpful behaviors.
CBT is a highly researched therapeutic approach, with over 2,000 studies validating its effectiveness for various mental health issues. It empowers you to change inaccurate beliefs, enabling healthier responses and more positive emotions.
Issues Effectively Treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT can help with a wide range of issues, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Eating disorders
- Anger management issues
- Insomnia
Common Techniques Used in CBT
In our sessions, we’ll utilize a variety of proven techniques, such as:
- Learning coping skills
- Relaxation and breathing exercises
- Mindfulness practices
- Tracking and recording thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with healthier beliefs
- Practicing new behaviors and ways of thinking
Together, we will identify specific thinking errors and explore alternative responses. I’ll equip you with practical tools and skills to monitor your experiences and shift negative thought patterns. With consistent practice, you’ll find that healthier thinking becomes second nature.
Rather than just discussing problems, our CBT sessions focus on setting specific goals for behavioral change. You’ll receive actionable tools and strategies to implement between sessions, ensuring that every meeting is productive and geared toward your progress.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, contact me today for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Take the first step toward transforming your thoughts and life.
