Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach used to help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to psychological distress. 

Nurses can use CBT techniques to help clients manage psychological distress and develop coping skills to improve their mental health. While trained mental health professionals typically deliver this type of therapy, nurses may also use techniques to help their clients.

5 CBT Strategies

These are the following strategies nurses use in CBT:

1. Provide clients with information about their mental health condition and how it affects their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This can help them better understand their symptoms and actively participate in their treatment.
2. Help perform exposure therapy with desensitization to situations and events. Gradually exposing clients to situations or objects that trigger anxiety or fear can help them develop coping strategies and reduce their symptoms.
3. Encourage clients to focus on the present moment and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help them reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
4. Share relaxation techniques by teaching clients relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
5. Teach new coping skills and techniques to reframe thinking (cognitive restructuring). This helps clients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to their distress and challenges them with more positive and realistic alternatives.

CBT Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a mind-body intervention where clients concentrate on mental images to help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve concentration.

It’s a relaxation technique that uses mental images to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Used as part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), guided imagery helps clients develop coping skills and manage symptoms related to mental health conditions.

CBT Biofeedback 

Biofeedback is similar to guided imagery, but the key difference is that machines help the mind focus, like virtual reality.

Biofeedback is a technique that allows individuals to gain greater awareness and control over their body’s physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. It can be used as part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients manage symptoms related to mental health conditions.

CBT Therapeutic Milieu

Therapeutic milieu is an approach to mental health treatment that focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment to promote healing and recovery. It can be used as part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients manage symptoms related to mental health conditions. 

Therapeutic milieu provides a safe and secure environment for clients in therapy. It’s the goal of every behavioral health or psych unit in the clinical setting. Clients are encouraged to roam around freely in the social environment.

CBT Group Therapy

CBT group therapy involves a therapist (or other health care team member, like a nurse) leading a group of clients through CBT techniques and exercises to help manage symptoms related to mental health conditions.

When facilitating CBT group therapy, make sure to:

• Identify clients who may benefit from it. This includes clients with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
• Schedule group sessions. Work with the treatment team to schedule group therapy sessions conveniently for clients.
• Encourage participation. Create a safe and supportive environment for clients to share their thoughts and feelings.
• Monitor the progress of individual clients and the group as a whole, and provide feedback and guidance as needed.
• Evaluate outcomes and assess the effectiveness of CBT techniques and exercises in managing symptoms related to mental health conditions.