CBT offers advantages such as skill-building, problem-solving, emotion regulation, self-awareness, adaptability, evidence-based effectiveness, long-term benefits, and therapist support.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) was originally developed to treat depression, but a growing body of research shows that it is also an effective treatment for adolescents and adults with ADHD. CBT provides clear benefits including higher self-esteem, greater self-confidence, increased productivity and more happiness.

CBT works by teaching individuals to recognize self-defeating patterns of thinking called “cognitive distortions” that perpetuate problem behaviors. It’s no wonder that a teen or adult with ADHD has low self-esteem and expects negative outcomes after feeling overwhelmed and making mistakes daily for years. CBT helps to turn that self-defeating process around.

Living with ADHD and anxiety can cause negative thoughts and behavior due to under-achievement and poor executive functioning. At Chesapeake, we have developed a modified CBT program that emphasizes the development of attention, organization, and focus.

Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

• CBT helps to replace pessimism with realistic optimism, by reducing feelings of hopelessness with a developing sense of control and effectiveness. 
• CBT focuses on self-defeating behavior patterns and supports the client in developing new, more constructive habits. CBT involves “homework” – i.e., putting into practice new behavior patterns such as reducing procrastination or improving sleep patterns.
• CBT is not a substitute for medication but can greatly enhance improvements in daily living when used in combination with medication. 
• CBT can be provided in both individual and group treatment settings. Sometimes a group setting is especially helpful because then the individual can identify with others with the same struggles and group members can support each other in taking steps in the right direction.

How Long does CBT take?

CBT is designed as a short-term, goal-oriented, practical treatment approach that helps clients to feel better about themselves and their future. Research shows that as few as a dozen group or individual sessions can help clients make effective, positive changes in their daily lives.