what is cbt-i, and how can it help?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy technique that challenges dysfunctional thoughts that may be contributing to emotional suffering. CBT-i differs from “regular” CBT in that it targets specific habits and behaviors that uniquely contribute to the development and maintenance of insomnia. The American College of Physicians recommends CBT-i as the first-line treatment for adults with chronic insomnia.
A course of CBT-i is usually completed in 6-8 sessions. I’ll ask you to complete a detailed sleep log, which will then be used to determine your particular patterns and guide treatment. Depending on which patterns are present, I’ll recommend a variety of strategies effective in bringing about more consolidated, restful, and consistent sleep.
CBT-i has a high success rate.
Between 60-80% of those who complete a course of therapy, delivered by a trained professional, have a significant improvement in their sleep. Gains often continue to grow after the official treatment period ends, so that you’re doing better at six months post-therapy and beyond than you were at eight weeks. In essence, the learning that takes place during a course of CBT-i develops a skill-set that you can use to troubleshoot as needed for the rest of your life.
