What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the importance of both behavioral and thought processes in understanding and controlling anxiety and panic attacks. The focus of treatment is on inadequate, obstructive, and damaging behaviors and irrational thought processes that contribute to the continuation of symptoms. For example, uncontrolled worrying (thoughts) about what may or may not happen if you have a panic attack may lead to avoiding certain situations (behavior).
CBT has been scientifically studied for the treatment of panic disorder. Research has suggested that this form of treatment is effective in alleviating many of the symptoms of panic and anxiety.
Cognitive Behavior Modification
Donald Meichenbaum is a psychologist noted for his contributions to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He developed cognitive behavior modification (CBM), which focuses on identifying dysfunctional self-talk in order to change unwanted behaviors. In other words, Dr. Meichenbaum views behaviors as outcomes of our own self-verbalizations.
Panic disorder, agoraphobia or other anxiety disorders often result in certain thought patterns and behaviors that may hinder recovery. But, if you change your thoughts, how you react to anxiety-provoking situations will likely change too.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a cognitive behavioral technique developed by Dr. Albert Ellis. REBT is known to be effective for the treatment a variety of anxiety disorders. The cognitive and behavioral techniques used in REBT have demonstrated effectiveness in treating panic disorder.
Considered the grandfather of CBT, Dr. Ellis developed his technique to teach his patients to detect and dispute “irrational beliefs” that he believed were causing their psychological problems.
Sources:
Corey,Gerald. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Kaplan MD, Harold I. and Sadock MD, Benjamin J. "Synopsis of Psychiatry, Eighth Edition" 1998 Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
