Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program

Robbi T. Saletsky, Ph.D.
Director, Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program
Adult Psychiatry Clinic
SUNY Upstate Medical University
713 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13210

315-464-3115

What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a structured, problem focused psychological treatment approach in which the therapist teaches specific strategies to improve the client's well-being and overall functioning. Research has shown that CBT is an effective treatment, equal to or better than medications in many circumstances for a wide range of problems including depression and anxiety disorders.

A basic premise of CBT is that your thoughts and beliefs have the greatest impact on how you feel and behave. Anxiety and depression are seen as a result of distorted thinking patterns that determine the way a person interprets the events in his or her life. These learned, automatic thought patterns have a profound effect on how a person feels and behaves.

How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Works

CBT aims to help clients modify their thinking patterns. Treatment focuses on helping clients adopt a realistic, more accurate perspective that affects emotions in a positive way.

CBT involves developing new behaviors and unlearning old behaviors that are maintaining anxiety or depression. Strategies may include some of the following:

• Confronting feared situations with goal of overcoming fears
• Scheduling activities that provide mastery and pleasure
• Developing skills to improve relationships, be assertive, speak effectively in public or get along with others
• Learning to problem-solve or make effective decisions
• Overcoming procrastination
• Relaxation skills

Advantages of Cognitive Behavior Therapy

• Research-based with demonstrated effectiveness
• Short-term (12-15 sessions on average)
• Cost-effective (due to fewer sessions)
• Skill building focus reduces length of treatment and risk for relapse
• Lasting results!