Our cognitive behavioral therapy in Nashville, TN, can help you or a loved one develop healthy coping skills for mental health and dual diagnosis disorders. We offer CBT therapy across all levels of care. That way, we can meet your needs no matter where you are in your wellness journey.

To learn more about CBT and other mental health therapies, contact Arbor Wellness today.

You are not alone. You deserve to get help.

Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is effective for several types of mental, emotional, and behavioral health disorders.

The core principles behind CBT are:

  • Psychological problems arise from unhealthy thought patterns and learned patterns of unhelpful behaviors. 
  • Unhealthy thought patterns also include core beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
  • Unhelpful behaviors include poor coping skills, such as drug or alcohol abuse and other behavioral health disorders.

As a result of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, you might develop psychological issues like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or a substance use disorder (SUD). Thus, CBT helps you get to the root of these issues—by helping you identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. In addition, you learn to replace these unhealthy thoughts and behaviors with helpful ways of thinking and behaving.

CBT is the Gold Standard Psychological Treatment

A 2018 article in Frontiers in Psychiatry argues that CBT is the “gold standard psychological treatment” for the following reasons:

  • CBT is the most researched form of psychotherapy.
  • No other form of psychotherapy has been shown to be systematically superior to CBT.
  • CBT theoretical models/mechanisms of change have been the most researched and are in line with the current mainstream paradigms of human mind and behavior.

What to Expect During a CBT Therapy Session in Nashville

CBT therapy sessions can take place during individual, group, or family therapy settings.

Overall, the principles of CBT work no matter what type of setting you’re in. For example, many people in group therapy share similar psychological problems. Because of these, they often share similar unhealthy beliefs and unhelpful behavioral patterns.

At first, you and your therapist will talk about your symptoms and mental health condition. This will provide you and your therapist with context about your experience. After the initial session, the work will begin.

There are a few different ways your therapist can help you during CBT. The overall goal is to challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts patterns. By challenging these thoughts, you can make better choices and improve your behavioral patterns.

The following are examples of what you might work on during CBT sessions:

  • Testing unhealthy perceptions, thought distortions, and false beliefs against reality. For example, if you believe you aren’t good at anything, your therapist will help you notice areas in life where you have strengths.
  • Facing fears instead of avoiding them. Many common fears, like fear of intimacy or public speaking, lead to debilitating stress and anxiety. Your therapist will guide you to face these fears by gradually exposing you to them.
  • Role-playing social situations or conflicts. Role-playing is a great way to practice communication skills. You might role-play one-on-one with your therapist or peers during support groups.
  • Developing positive affirmations. One of the most common practices during CBT is learning to challenge negative thoughts. Your therapist may have you write out any negative thoughts and then turn them into positive affirmations. For instance, “I’m never going to be good enough” becomes “I’m continuing to better myself everyday.”
  • Practicing healthy coping skills. Oftentimes, when you don’t manage stress well, your thoughts will spiral out of control. During CBT, you’ll learn healthy ways to cope with stress and mental health symptoms.
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Overall, the exercises you’ll practice during CBT will help you catch automatic negative thoughts and unhealthy behavioral patterns. Then, once you are aware of these patterns, you can replace them with positive thoughts and healthy behaviors.

Our Programs That Offer CBT Therapy

We offer CBT therapy throughout all levels of care at our Nashville treatment programs, including the following:

  • Detox: Drug and alcohol detox is the first step to recovery from addiction and dual diagnosis disorders. While the primary focus of detox programs is managing withdrawal symptoms safely, you can start working with a therapist to learn more about your addiction.
  • Residential Treatment: Our residential treatment program gives you a space to build a foundation for long-term mental wellness. Individual and group therapy sessions can include aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): After residential treatment, you can begin outpatient treatment at our partial hospitalization program (PHP). Our PHP program includes daily sessions of various psychoeducational instruction as well as group and individual therapy.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Once you finish our PHP program, you can step down to an intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOP programs offer a high level of support like PHP. However, the IOP schedule is much more flexible so you can transition back to everyday life outside of treatment.
  • Veterans Program: Our veterans program helps former military personnel struggling with mental health disorders related to their service. While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is among the most common disorders affecting veterans, many also struggle with anxiety, mood disorders, and other mental health issues.
  • Alumni Program: Our alumni program gives former clients the opportunity to stay connected to our recovery community. This includes alumni events and peer support as well as check-ins with our treatment team.
  • Young Adult Program: Young adults are vulnerable to mental health disorders as they navigate the challenges of life. Our young adult program offers specialized services to cater to the needs of young adults with mental health issues.

How Can CBT Therapy Help My Mental Health Disorders?

Our cognitive-behavioral therapy in Nashville, TN, can help your mental health disorders in several ways.

First and foremost, CBT therapy helps you identify the automatic thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues. This awareness can be a revelation for many people. Oftentimes, people get stuck in unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving without realizing it.

Once you’re aware of these unhelpful patterns, you can make changes. Depending on the unique circumstances of your disorder, you’ll need different strategies to make positive changes. These can include exposure to fears, reality-testing, problem-solving, and role-playing.

In addition, your therapist will teach you healthy ways to manage stress, triggers, and mental health symptoms. This may include holistic approaches, such as meditation and breathwork—proven to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

How Can CBT Therapy Help My Mental Health Disorders?

Our cognitive-behavioral therapy in Nashville, TN, can help your mental health disorders in several ways.

First and foremost, CBT therapy helps you identify the automatic thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues. This awareness can be a revelation for many people. Oftentimes, people get stuck in unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving without realizing it.

Once you’re aware of these unhelpful patterns, you can make changes. Depending on the unique circumstances of your disorder, you’ll need different strategies to make positive changes. These can include exposure to fears, reality-testing, problem-solving, and role-playing.

In addition, your therapist will teach you healthy ways to manage stress, triggers, and mental health symptoms. This may include holistic approaches, such as meditation and breathwork—proven to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

individual therapy session in Nashville, TN

Begin Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Nashville, TN

CBT can help you overcome several issues related to your mental health or dual diagnosis disorder. In fact, many researchers consider CBT to be the gold standard in psychotherapy. It can help you overcome many of your symptoms as well as learn how to make better choices moving forward.

Contact Arbor Wellness today to begin CBT therapy in Nashville, TN.

People who Trust Arbor Wellness

Don’t trust our word, let others share their experience, strength, and hope.

Lori TurnerLori Turner
23:21 02 Dec 24
Coming to Arbor Wellness was a great experience for me. My therapist, Abby, was amazing. She is well educated, kind, and helps make a realistic plan for your progress. Angela is a rockstar- at her job and in life. I will miss her sweet hellos and her checking in on me. (Love you, Angela) Mishell is a kick ass nurse. I appreciate everything she’s done for me. She is a veteran at her job and is brilliant. Brian is also a fantastic nurse. His compassion for every client does not go unnoticed. Eva, she was awesome. Smart, kind, and funny. (Hello Kitty buddies!). All of the kitchen staff is considerate of dietary needs, create excellent meals, and are passionate about their jobs. Thank you for feeding me so much. I will miss the hash browns. Matthew was my favorite group facilitator. He is a bright light, incredibly smart, and compassionate. Lastly, Roxanne, my case manager is amazing. She did everything I needed to set me up for success when I go back home. Thank you, Arbor Wellness. I won’t be back (hopefully), but if I need somewhere to go I will drive the 9 hours back there in a heartbeat.
Daniel BergerDaniel Berger
15:18 02 Dec 24
I had an incredible experience at Arbor Wellness Day, and I cannot recommend it enough! From the moment I walked through the door, I was impressed by the facility’s serene and welcoming atmosphere. The space is beautifully maintained, offering a peaceful and relaxing environment that immediately put me at ease.The therapists are truly exceptional. Each one took the time to listen to my concerns and tailored their approach to fit my individual needs. Over the course of my time here, I noticed significant improvement in my physical and emotional well-being. Their expertise and genuine care made all the difference in my recovery journey.I would also like to give a special shout-out to Roxanne, who was instrumental in helping me with discharge planning. Her guidance and support made the transition much smoother and less stressful, ensuring that I was well-prepared for the next phase of my healing process.Additionally, all the techs were amazing, always attentive, kind, and ready to assist whenever needed. Their professionalism and positive energy created an environment that made me feel supported throughout my time at Arbor Wellness Day.Overall, this facility exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful for the wonderful team that helped me along the way. If you’re looking for a place that truly cares about your well-being, Arbor Wellness Day is the perfect choice.
Jamie WelshJamie Welsh
18:34 26 Nov 24
This place has amazing, loving, compassionate and understanding staff that go above and beyond for their clients. They gave great care to my loved one whom is now doing well and able to see life differently than when she first went in. She now feels like she has a purpose and has been a completely different person since completing Arbor. She was able to do a lot of healing in the time she spent there. I am so thankful to everyone at Arbor for all they do and for all they did for my family member!!! If there were more stars they would get them!! Thank each and everyone of you for all you do!!!
YurYur
18:13 26 Nov 24
Mary NunleyMary Nunley
14:38 26 Nov 24
Had a great experience with the staff at arbor. Especially loved the case managers, they are so sweet and welcoming!
Elijah JohnsonElijah Johnson
16:25 25 Nov 24
I found myself and am better for it. Thank You Arbor Wellness!
Hero FlanaryHero Flanary
15:42 25 Nov 24
Abby and Roxanne were great as well as the techs and facilitators. Shout out to the kitchen, miss nick and mr Andrew! This place saved my life.
Eric AndersonEric Anderson
20:44 13 Nov 24
The place was good the staff were amazing the kitchen staff were really good cooks it was an outstanding plae