People suffer from a range of addictions to behaviours or substances, or they can have mental health troubles. While it may seem difficult, there are ways to treat these issues. One way is CBT. This is a form of treatment that can be found almost everywhere in mental healthcare. At Orchid, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the treatment approaches offered.
The Benefits of CBT in Recovery
Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is a widely-used therapeutic modality that has proven effective at addressing various maladies. It is sometimes considered the ‘gold standard’ of psychotherapy. This type of therapy has a range of benefits in a person’s recovery. One benefit is that CBT focuses on present troubles.
While other forms of therapy may want to delve into the past, this kind of treatment is focused primarily on the things that are currently bothering the patient. CBT also encourages self-reflection. This can lead to an increase in a person’s self-awareness. Another benefit of this kind of treatment is that it is focused on setting and achieving goals. This can help a person track their progress and overcome a range of mental health troubles as well as substance abuse and behavioural issues.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Thailand
CBT is a form of therapy that is focused on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is an evidence-based form of care that is mainly used to help patients identify and address the thought patterns or cognitive distortions that can contribute to negative thoughts and beliefs. It can help people address various present struggles, though its lack of focus on the past may not make it suited for some people. CBT operates on the belief that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. By changing these cognitive distortions, which can sometimes be irrational, a person can develop healthier behaviour patterns.
This kind of treatment doesn’t just help with recovery; it can also be vital in helping someone maintain their recovery. Many therapists use CBT to help patients develop healthy coping skills, which can be essential in preventing relapse. These skills can involve problem-solving and relaxation. By moderating their behaviour in this way, a person is less likely to use substances or unhealthy processes as a coping mechanism. Patients are sometimes encouraged to keep a thought journal or practise their skills outside of sessions, which can be vital in making sure they know how to apply these new skills in real-world scenarios.
Why Come to Chiang Mai for Rehab and Treatment
While treatment is available in Australia, some people may find that their path to wellness will go through Thailand. Some of the benefits of coming to us over seeking a rehab centre at home include
Tolerance
Thailand is one of the most tolerant countries in Asia towards the LGBT community. It is the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriages. In keeping with that level of tolerance, our centre welcomes members of the queer community into treatment.
Privacy
Some people would rather keep struggles with addiction or mental health conditions close to their chests. As such, they will want privacy when they seek treatment. The distance between Chiang Mai and Australia can add a protective layer over a person’s privacy.
Cost-Efficiency
Seeking treatment at home can be costly, especially if the treatment facility in question is a luxury centre. However, coming to us in Thailand can mean receiving the same level of care and comfort as any luxury rehab at home at a more accessible cost. This can make us the more cost-effective way to get treatment even after factoring in the cost of airfare.
Various Activities
At our treatment centre, we facilitate a number of activities that include Thai boxing, swimming, sightseeing, hiking, yoga, cooking classes, getting massages, and golf.
Different Lengths of Treatment
Most inpatient programmes generally last about 28 days. However, different people will have different needs. As such, we offer programmes that can last 4, 8, or 12 weeks depending on the unique needs of each person who comes to us for treatment and support.
Staff in Recovery
A major benefit of coming to us for treatment is that some members of our staff are recovering from the same struggles that our guests are facing. This means that they have a unique perspective on recovery because it’s something that they’ve gone through themselves.
What CBT Treats
CBT is a highly adaptable form of treatment that can be used to treat various disorders. Some of the things that CBT can be used to treat include:
Substance Use Disorders
CBT can help individuals identify and address the negative thoughts and feelings that can lead to substance abuse. It can also be vital in developing coping skills to manage cravings.
Process Addictions
Similar to substance use disorders, CBT can help people who struggle with process addictions identify and change the cognitive distortions that lead to their unhealthy behaviour.
Mental Health Disorders
CBT can be used to help manage some mental health disorders. It can be used to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and feelings that can lead to anxious or depressive symptoms.
How CBT is Applied
CBT has been shown to be a versatile form of treatment. Some of the ways in which CBT can be used include:
Individual Counselling
CBT can be used in individual therapy. In one-on-one counselling, a therapist will use cognitive behavioural therapy to help patients address their struggles with addiction and mental health issues.
Group Therapy
CBT can also be used in a group setting via cognitive behavioural groups. Similar to individual counselling, the use of CBT is aimed at helping people identify and challenge cognitive distortions and live healthier lives.
We Want to Help You Change
Some believe that recovery may not be possible for them. However, that is just another cognitive distortion that CBT can treat. At Orchid, we offer CBT, as well as other talk therapies, such as Dialectical behaviour therapy, to help people develop mindfulness and overcome their struggles.