Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt), For Adults With Asperger's Or Autism
Managing emotions can be especially difficult for adults with a analysis of Asperger's Syndrome or autism. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly called Cbt, can be an productive means of coping with thinking health issues, along with difficult emotions such as depression, repetitive thoughts, or anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt), For Adults With Asperger's Or Autism
Many individuals with Asperger's, autism or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Asd) dread the idea of looking a psychotherapist. The understanding of analyzing past relationships, talking about early childhood experiences, and dwelling on emotions can seem dull, pointless or painful. They may imagine a therapy session as something like what Freud did, or Woody Allen on a couch and the therapist nodding and request about dreams. Or, they picture a stereotyped Tv therapist, request "How did that make you feel?" over and over. With these images of therapy, it's not surprising that many individuals may choose to live with their emotional pain, rather than see a therapist.
But, there are other options!
Therapy can be much more practical and goal oriented than these images may lead you to believe, and that's just what many individuals with Asperger's or autism are concerned in. And that's where Cbt comes in.
Cbt is based on the idea that our thoughts (or cognitions), our emotions, and our behaviors are intertwined. By becoming aware of our thoughts, examining them, and analyzing them, we can rule how these thoughts are triggering depressed or anxious feeling or behaviors. The ideas behind the thoughts can be tested for false logic or incorrect generalizations. Since many individuals with autism or Asperger's excel at logical thinking, examining their own thoughts for illogical patterns can seem very natural.
Cbt does deal with emotion, but in a concrete way. Emotions are discussed and often explained in depth, so they can be best understood. Many Cbt therapists have their clients rate and portion their emotions, as a means of being best aware of them. How the emotion is experienced in the body may be explored. The idea is that best comprehension of emotions, how they feel, and what functions they serve, can allow habitancy to manage them more easily. Again, this practical and exact approach can feel very natural to those on the autism spectrum.
Please don't confuse Cbt with Aba. Aba, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is often referred to as Behavior Therapy, but it's not Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Aba is a definite therapy, often used with autistic children, to teach new behaviors. It is not psychotherapy, it doesn't deal with emotions or issues like depression, anxiety or repetitive thoughts. Cbt may merge a behavioral theme, such as setting up a quarterly exercise agenda as part of the symptom management, but it's not about giving adults petite rewards every time they follow the therapist's requests. There's also some obscuring about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy versus Cognitive Therapy. Strictly speaking, Cognitive Therapy is one type of therapy, that falls under the umbrella of more normal types of Cbt. In practice, most therapists use the words "Cognitive Therapy" and "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" interchangeably.
Ready to give Cbt a try? Most therapists don't list themselves as Cbt therapists, since they will use other techniques when appropriate. It's probably more leading to find a therapist who is customary with Asperger's and autism, and one who absolutely enjoys working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Tell your inherent therapist that you're concerned in a more concrete, practical approach, define the goals you're looking for, and ask of they use Cbt regularly.
You can be feeling best soon!
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