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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sounds so simple that you may wonder if it will really help your foster child. One of CBT’s greatest strengths may also seem like a weakness for people who were expecting psychological treatments to sound more complicated.

In reality, CBT is highly effective for foster children and teens experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other common conditions. The principles are straightforward, but there are at least two elements that make CBT more powerful than just trying to follow your own common sense. See how the structure and practical applications involved in CBT can help your foster child.

How CBT Provides Structure:

Even if you never heard of CBT, you might still know that changing your thinking is essential for making lasting changes in your behavior. However, it can be a lot more difficult to figure out where to start and what specific steps to take when you’re on your own. When your foster child works with a therapist skilled in CBT, they get the necessary structure for success. That includes their therapy sessions and their homework assignments in between. Talking with a professional will help them to stay focused, follow a proven format, and get results.

How CBT Encourages Practical Application:

There can be a big divide between what we know and what we do. Otherwise, everyone would fulfill all their new year resolutions and stick to their diets. One of the major strengths of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is how it helps patients to put their knowledge and insights into action. Old habits can be stubborn, but practice can help your foster child to replace harmful choices with new and more positive patterns that become just as automatic over time.

Give Kansas children a home by supporting Pathway Family ServicesContact us to learn more about upcoming trainings for foster parents and other resources for youth and families.