Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But what makes CBT so powerful? The answer lies in its scientific foundation and the way it harnesses the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In this blog we will dive into the science behind CBT to understand why it works so well.

The aim of this column is to discuss psychological questions that are relevant to our community members. This can be achieved in two ways. One, personal questions written in from the readership of this paper or two, the discussion of questions and topics that come up in the course of my practice as a psychologist.

It’s probably safe to say that anxiety is the most “popular” mental illness of the day. We know this to be true from the myriad of lectures in our local communities, the preponderance and popularity of books such as Jonathan Haidt’s  “The Anxious Generation,” and the introduction of the new character “Anxiety” into Disney’s Inside Out 2.

Does the fear of being judged or the thought of appearing awkward in social situations dictate your life? You're not alone. Social anxiety can make every day social interactions—whether it's small talk or public speaking—feel overwhelming and intimidating. It is characterized by a deep fear of social situations, often driven by concerns of being judged, humiliated, rejected, or scrutinized for one's words or actions.

Cognitive Distortions are like "funhouse mirrors for your mind." What do I mean by this? Just like a funhouse mirror warps and distorts your reflection, cognitive distortions bend your perception of reality, making events, thoughts, and feelings appear far more different or exaggerated than they truly are. What you see isn’t the truth, but a skewed version of it.

One of the most significant advantages of CBT is its long-lasting impact. While many treatments focus primarily on providing short-term symptom relief, CBT goes a step further by equipping individuals with the tools and strategies they need to identify and challenge their own thought patterns and behaviors.