That’s Healthy

Research has found using Cognitive Therapy (CT) can help with weight loss. What is CT and how does it work? It is psychotherapy which has been found to be effective for many different disorders, weight loss being one. Unlike most forms of psychotherapy it’s more patient focused and problem-solving oriented. Patients learn life long skills which involve identifying distorted thinking, changing behaviors and beliefs in addition to changing the way they relate to others.

The concept behind CT is how we perceive situations and how those situations influence our decisions which result in how we feel emotionally. CT helps people identify their distressed thoughts and to appraise how reasonable these thoughts are. Patients learn to change their distorted thinking, resulting in more realistic behavior.

Changing the way we think about eating and exercise may be the secret to establishing a healthier routine. Judith Beck, Ph.D. author of the Beck Diet Solution states people subconsciously give themselves permission to eat foods they shouldn’t. “They might say to themselves, ‘It’s OK because I’m upset.’ Or, ‘It’s OK because this is a special party.’” CT helps the patient look at the situation differently, and practice alternative responses which result in positive behavior.

For more information visit these sites:

The Beck Institute – http://www.beckinstitute.org

Deidre Leigh Barrett – http://www.wwnorton.com/catalog/spring07/006216.htm