CBT Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, practical form of behavioral therapy that helps people recognize connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center in Fort Lauderdale, CBT is provided in person and can be incorporated into treatment for substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, anger, stress, and other behavioral health needs.
CBT may be provided as individual therapy or as part of group treatment. At our center, CBT can be incorporated across multiple levels of care, including residential treatment, outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP), depending on an individual’s treatment needs and clinical plan.
If you are looking for CBT therapy in Fort Lauderdale, our team can help you understand whether this approach may be appropriate for your situation and what treatment options may be available.
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Evidence-Based Foundation
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly called CBT, is a structured form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, physical responses, and behaviors.
The basic idea
The basic idea is straightforward: the way a person interprets a situation can influence how they feel and what they do next. When certain patterns of thinking or behavior repeatedly contribute to distress, CBT helps people examine those patterns and practice more useful responses.
CBT is not simply about thinking positively. Instead, it involves identifying specific patterns, examining whether they are accurate or helpful, and learning practical skills for responding differently.
The American Psychological Association describes CBT as a psychological treatment focused on changing unhelpful patterns of thinking or behavior and notes its evidence base across conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and drug-use problems.
How Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Connect
Consider a person who experiences a difficult situation and immediately thinks:
"I can't handle this."
CBT examines this cycle.
The goal isn't to pretend that difficult circumstances do not exist. Instead, treatment can help a person identify what is within their control, evaluate automatic thoughts, and develop alternative behaviors that better support their goals.
Core Process
How Does CBT Work?
CBT is generally structured around identifying patterns, setting goals, practicing skills, and evaluating progress.
The specific approach varies from person to person. Treatment should be based on the individual's concerns, circumstances, treatment goals, and overall clinical needs.
Identifying Unhelpful Thought Patterns
People can develop automatic thoughts that occur quickly in response to situations. These thoughts may involve:
- assuming the worst outcome
- interpreting situations in an overly negative way
- blaming oneself for things outside one's control
- viewing situations as all-or-nothing
- assuming what another person is thinking
- expecting failure before attempting something
- interpreting a temporary setback as permanent
Recognizing Cognitive Distortions
Cognitive distortions are patterns of thinking that can contribute to emotional distress or problematic behavior. Examples include:
- all-or-nothing thinking
- catastrophizing
- overgeneralization
- mind reading
- emotional reasoning
- negative filtering
- labeling
- jumping to conclusions
Challenging Unhelpful Thoughts
Once a thought pattern has been identified, CBT may involve examining the evidence supporting it. Questions may include:
- What evidence supports this thought?
- What evidence does not support it?
- Am I overlooking another explanation?
- What would I tell someone else in the same situation?
- Is this thought helping me move toward my treatment goals?
- Is there a more balanced way to understand what happened?
Developing Healthier Behaviors
CBT also addresses behavior. A person may understand intellectually that a particular behavior is harmful but still have difficulty changing it. Therapy can help break larger problems into manageable steps and provide opportunities to practice new responses.
For someone recovering from substance use, this can include identifying high-risk situations, recognizing cravings, developing coping strategies, and planning how to respond when triggers occur.
Ready to take control of unhelpful thoughts and establish healthier coping habits?
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What Conditions Can CBT Help With?
CBT has been studied across a range of mental health and behavioral health concerns. The appropriateness of CBT depends on the individual's circumstances and treatment needs.
At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center, CBT may be incorporated into treatment for concerns including:
CBT for Anxiety
Anxiety can involve persistent worry, fear, avoidance, physical symptoms, and patterns of thinking that anticipate negative outcomes.
CBT may help individuals recognize the thoughts and behaviors that maintain anxiety and gradually develop more effective ways to respond. Treatment may address:
- excessive worry
- catastrophic thinking
- avoidance
- fear-based behaviors
- difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- negative predictions
- physical responses to stress
The goal is not necessarily to eliminate every uncomfortable feeling. Instead, CBT can help people respond to anxiety in ways that are less disruptive to their daily lives.
CBT for Depression
Depression can affect thoughts, motivation, behavior, relationships, sleep, and daily functioning. CBT may address patterns such as:
- persistent negative self-evaluation
- hopeless thinking
- withdrawal
- reduced activity
- excessive self-criticism
- interpreting setbacks as personal failures
Therapy may also involve gradually increasing constructive activities and rebuilding routines that support functioning.
CBT has a substantial research base for depression, and the APA identifies depression among the conditions for which CBT has demonstrated effectiveness.
CBT for Stress and Anger
Stress and anger can become difficult to manage when particular situations repeatedly trigger automatic interpretations and behavioral responses.
CBT may help a person identify:
- What happened?
- What did I think about what happened?
- What emotion followed?
- How did I respond?
- What was the result?
- Is there another response I could practice?
For anger, treatment may also focus on recognizing escalating thoughts and physical cues, improving communication, developing problem-solving skills, and practicing alternative responses. SAMHSA has published a cognitive-behavioral anger-management model specifically for people experiencing substance use and mental health concerns.
CBT for Trauma-Related Concerns
CBT approaches can be used in the treatment of some trauma-related symptoms, but trauma treatment should be individualized. A person experiencing trauma-related difficulties may struggle with:
- intrusive memories
- avoidance
- heightened emotional responses
- negative beliefs
- difficulty feeling safe
- changes in mood or behavior
A qualified treatment professional can determine whether CBT or another trauma-focused approach is appropriate. CBT should not be presented as the only treatment option for trauma. Some individuals may benefit from specialized trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR or other evidence-supported trauma therapy.
Specialized Addiction Protocols
CBT for Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
CBT can be an important component of addiction treatment because substance use is often connected with learned behaviors, triggers, thoughts, emotions, and environmental circumstances.
For someone working toward recovery, treatment may involve understanding what tends to happen before substance use and identifying alternative ways to respond.
Identifying Triggers
Triggers can include:
- particular people
- places associated with substance use
- stressful situations
- conflict
- loneliness
- certain emotions
- financial or work-related stress
- social situations
- thoughts or memories associated with past substance use
Managing Cravings
Cravings can feel immediate and overwhelming, but experiencing a craving does not necessarily mean that a person has to act on it. CBT may help people recognize the thoughts and circumstances surrounding cravings and develop strategies for managing them.
Treatment can focus on questions such as:
- What happened immediately before the craving?
- What thoughts accompanied it?
- What emotions were present?
- What behavior would I normally choose?
- What alternative response could I practice?
Challenging Thoughts Associated With Substance Use
People may experience thoughts such as:
"One drink won't matter."
"I already messed up, so there is no point stopping."
"I need something to calm down."
Developing Relapse-Prevention Skills
Recovery involves more than avoiding substances in a controlled environment. Individuals may eventually encounter stressful situations, triggers, social pressure, or emotional difficulties outside treatment.
CBT can help people prepare for these situations by developing coping strategies and identifying potential challenges before they occur.
CBT as Part of Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
CBT is one component of treatment rather than a substitute for comprehensive addiction care. Depending on an individual's needs, treatment may involve behavioral therapy, medical care, medication management, peer or recovery support, family involvement, case management, or other services.
For people with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns, an integrated treatment plan may be particularly important.
Actionable Skillsets
CBT Techniques Used in Therapy
CBT is a practical and skills-oriented approach. Specific techniques vary according to the individual's treatment goals.
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring involves examining unhelpful interpretations and developing more balanced ways of understanding situations.
Thought Records
A thought record can help someone document:
- the situation
- automatic thoughts
- emotions
- behavioral responses
- evidence supporting the thought
- evidence against the thought
- a more balanced interpretation
Behavioral Activation
When depression or withdrawal leads a person to stop engaging in meaningful activities, treatment may focus on gradually increasing constructive behaviors and routines.
Problem-Solving
CBT may break a difficult problem into smaller steps:
- Define the problem.
- Identify possible solutions.
- Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Select a realistic option.
- Put the plan into practice.
- Evaluate what happened.
Behavioral Experiments
A therapist may help a person test a belief or prediction through a structured behavioral exercise.
The purpose is to learn from what actually happens rather than relying exclusively on assumptions.
Coping-Skills Practice
Depending on treatment goals, skills may include:
- managing stress
- responding to cravings
- communication
- problem-solving
- emotional regulation
- recognizing triggers
- planning for high-risk situations
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Step-by-Step Care Journey
What Does a CBT Treatment Plan Look Like?
CBT treatment should be individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all program.
At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center, treatment begins with understanding the individual's needs and circumstances.
Assessment
The assessment stage focuses on understanding the concerns bringing someone into treatment. Depending on the situation, this may include discussing:
- substance use
- mental health symptoms
- behavioral patterns
- stressors
- relationships
- treatment history
- recovery goals
- current challenges
The purpose is to understand the individual rather than simply assign a diagnosis or treatment label.
Treatment Planning
Information gathered during assessment can be used to develop an individualized treatment plan. Goals should be realistic and relevant to the person's circumstances.
For someone experiencing substance-use triggers, for example, a treatment goal may involve learning and practicing specific coping strategies for high-risk situations.
Intervention
During treatment sessions, CBT skills are introduced and practiced.
The work may involve examining thought patterns, discussing recent situations, practicing problem-solving, identifying triggers, or developing alternative behaviors.
Skills Practice
CBT often involves applying skills outside the therapy session.
The therapist may recommend exercises or strategies that help the individual practice what was discussed during treatment.
Evaluation and Follow-Up
Progress can be reviewed throughout treatment.
If a particular strategy isn't working, the treatment approach can be reconsidered and adjusted according to the individual's needs.
In-Person Care in Broward County
What to Expect From CBT Therapy in Fort Lauderdale
If you are considering CBT therapy in Fort Lauderdale, understanding what a session may involve can make the process less uncertain.
At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center, CBT is provided in person, with individual and group treatment available. Sessions are approximately one hour, although the overall treatment schedule depends on the individual's treatment program and needs.
Your Initial Assessment
Treatment begins by understanding what you are experiencing and what you want to accomplish. This may include discussing substance use, mental health concerns, stressors, behavioral patterns, previous treatment, and recovery goals when relevant.
Setting Treatment Goals
The treatment team can identify practical goals based on the person's circumstances. Goals may involve:
- improving coping skills
- managing cravings
- recognizing triggers
- changing unhelpful behavioral patterns
- improving emotional regulation
- reducing avoidance
- strengthening relapse-prevention strategies
Individual CBT Sessions
Individual sessions provide an opportunity to focus on concerns specific to the person receiving treatment. A session may involve reviewing a recent situation, identifying automatic thoughts, examining behavioral responses, and practicing an alternative strategy.
Group CBT
CBT may also be provided in a group setting. Group treatment can give participants an opportunity to learn structured skills, discuss common challenges, and practice strategies in a supportive treatment environment.
Applying CBT Outside Treatment
CBT is intended to be practical. The skills discussed during treatment can be applied to situations that occur outside the therapy setting, including stressful interactions, cravings, difficult emotions, or situations that previously resulted in unhealthy behaviors.
A Practical Approach to Recovery
Our approach emphasizes practical skills that individuals can apply beyond the treatment environment. Rather than simply discussing problems, CBT can involve identifying patterns, setting goals, practicing new responses, and evaluating progress.
About Thomas Santomauro
VerifiedCRRA — License No. CRRA.0100554
15+ Years Experience in Addiction, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
CBT services at Florida Addiction and Recovery Center are provided in person by Thomas Santomauro, who has more than 15 years of experience in addiction, substance-use recovery, and rehabilitation.
Thomas holds the credential of Certified Recovery Residence Administrator (CRRA), License No. CRRA.0100554. The Florida Certification Board identifies the CRRA as a professional credential for individuals who operate and administer recovery residences and demonstrates competency in areas including recovery-residence operations and administration, resident recovery support, and professional responsibilities.
Thomas's experience in addiction recovery and recovery-residence administration contributes to the practical, recovery-focused environment in which CBT is provided at the center.
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A modern, fully equipped therapeutic center providing in-person outpatient and residential support in South Florida.
How Long Does CBT Take?
There is no single treatment duration that applies to everyone. The appropriate length and frequency of CBT depend on factors such as:
- the reason for treatment
- severity and complexity of symptoms
- substance use history
- co-occurring mental health concerns
- treatment goals
- level of care
- response to treatment
- ongoing support needs
Some people participate in CBT as one component of a structured treatment program, while others may need ongoing behavioral health support. Rather than choosing a predetermined number of sessions for everyone, treatment should be based on individual needs and progress.
Is CBT Effective?
CBT is one of the most extensively studied forms of psychological treatment. The American Psychological Association describes CBT as an evidence-supported treatment for a range of problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and drug-use problems.
Research and clinical guidance also support the use of CBT-based approaches for substance use treatment. NIDA's CBT materials describe a structured approach focused on recognizing high-risk situations, avoiding them when appropriate, coping with triggers, and changing behaviors associated with substance use.
However, "effective" does not mean that CBT produces the same result for every person. Outcomes can depend on the condition being treated, treatment engagement, the individual's circumstances, co-occurring conditions, the quality and appropriateness of treatment, and other factors.
CBT is also not a quick fix. Learning new patterns takes practice, and some problems require multiple forms of treatment or ongoing support.
CBT at Florida Addiction and Recovery Center
At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center in Fort Lauderdale, CBT is incorporated into behavioral health and addiction treatment based on the individual's needs and treatment plan. CBT is available in person and may be delivered individually or in a group setting.
Level of Care
Residential Treatment
Level of Care
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
Level of Care
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Level of Care
Outpatient Treatment
CBT is also available for people whose primary reason for seeking treatment is not necessarily addiction. Depending on the person's circumstances, CBT may address substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, anger, stress, and other behavioral health needs.
Comparative Clinical Overview
CBT and Other Types of Therapy
CBT is one of many evidence-supported approaches used in behavioral health treatment. Understanding how CBT compares to other approaches can help clarify the right path forward.
CBT vs. DBT
CBT and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) both use structured behavioral and cognitive strategies, but DBT places particular emphasis on areas such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
CBT vs. EMDR
EMDR is a distinct therapeutic approach that is often associated with trauma treatment. CBT and EMDR should not be treated as interchangeable therapies. The appropriate approach depends on the person's symptoms, history, treatment goals, and clinical assessment.
CBT vs. Medication
CBT and medication are different forms of treatment. Some people may benefit from psychotherapy alone, while others may benefit from medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of approaches. Medication decisions should be made with an appropriately qualified medical professional.
CBT vs. General Talk Therapy
CBT tends to be structured and skills-oriented. Sessions often focus on specific problems, thought patterns, behaviors, goals, and practical exercises. Other forms of psychotherapy may use different frameworks and therapeutic techniques. The question is not simply which therapy is "best." The more useful question is which approach is appropriate for the individual's needs.
Who Can Benefit From CBT?
CBT may be appropriate for people dealing with a variety of concerns, including:
- addiction
- substance use disorders
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- anger
- trauma-related symptoms
- recurring negative thought patterns
- unhealthy behavioral patterns
- difficulty coping with triggers or high-risk situations
An assessment is important because CBT is not automatically appropriate for every person. Someone experiencing an acute medical or psychiatric emergency, severe substance withdrawal, or another situation requiring immediate medical intervention may need a different level of care first.
When CBT May Not Be Enough on Its Own
CBT can be valuable, but it does not replace every other form of treatment. Some individuals may benefit from a combination of services, which can include:
- medical evaluation
- medication management
- addiction treatment
- psychiatric care
- trauma-focused therapy
- family therapy
- recovery support
- case management
- continuing care
For people experiencing both substance use and mental health concerns, addressing both areas can be important. Treatment should be based on a comprehensive assessment rather than assuming that one therapy will address every need.
Why Consider CBT Therapy in Fort Lauderdale?
Choosing a behavioral health treatment program involves more than finding a therapy name. It is important to understand:
- who provides the service
- what type of treatment is available
- whether treatment is individual or group-based
- what levels of care are available
- whether addiction and mental health concerns can be addressed together
- how treatment goals are established
- how progress is evaluated
At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center, CBT can be incorporated into a broader treatment plan when appropriate, giving individuals access to structured behavioral strategies while receiving support for addiction and mental health concerns.
What Happens When You Contact Us About CBT?
If you are considering CBT therapy, you do not need to know exactly which treatment you need before contacting us. Our team can discuss your concerns, explain available treatment options, and help determine the appropriate next step.
Depending on your circumstances, this may involve an assessment and discussion of:
- your primary concerns
- substance use, if applicable
- mental health symptoms
- current treatment needs
- previous treatment
- appropriate level of care
- available behavioral health services
The goal is to help you understand your options rather than assume that CBT is automatically the right treatment for everyone. Call our 24/7 helpline at (877) 800-7342 to discuss your treatment options.
Helpful Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About CBT Therapy
Clear, transparent answers to help you make informed decisions.
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Get Started With CBT Therapy in Fort Lauderdale
Take the Next Step in Evidence-Based Recovery
If you are looking for CBT therapy in Fort Lauderdale for yourself or someone you care about, the first step is understanding your treatment options.
Florida Addiction and Recovery Center provides in-person CBT as part of individualized behavioral health and addiction treatment. Whether you are dealing with substance use, anxiety, depression, stress, anger, trauma-related concerns, or another behavioral health challenge, our team can discuss your situation and help you determine what type of support may be appropriate.
All communications are strictly confidential and HIPAA compliant.