What Is Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

What is virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? Can therapists conduct these sessions?

Virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy conducted in a virtual reality (VR) environment to treat a wide range of mental health issues listed in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, including panic disorder, phobias, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and other psychiatric symptoms. Therapists can conduct sessions with their clients through video calls or messaging, offering flexible and accessible guidance and support. 

It's convenient for clients with busy schedules needing therapy from home, making mental health care more accessible and personalized. Many patients find that CBT online work allows for flexible scheduling and easy access to therapy.

Can you do CBT via Zoom?

Patients can do cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with a therapist via Zoom; however, Zoom isn’t always guaranteed to stay unpublicized and secure. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp use their own video platforms more tailored for talk therapy sessions.

Can online CBT work?

The effectiveness of CBT online work has been demonstrated in numerous research and data analysis that suggest online or virtual CBT is as effective as CBT delivered in person for a variety of mental health conditions. For example, researchers from Queens University and the University of Toronto found comparable significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life between patients treated for major depressive disorder online and in person. They also determined that participant patients in the virtual CBT group had higher adherence to treatment than patients in the in-person group. 

What is the main focus of virtual cognitive behavioral therapy?

The primary focus of virtual cognitive behavior therapy is to help patients learn to identify problematic, negative patterns of thinking that contribute to emotional stress and reframe them to reflect more realistic, positive ones in a virtual environment. CBT treatment is an evidence-based approach operating on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by altering unhealthy thoughts (cognitions) and behaviors, we can improve mental well-being and problem-solving skills. Below are the primary focuses of virtual CBT.

Identifying faulty thinking

CBT treatment is an evidence-based approach in which a therapist helps clients recognize cognitive distortions and negative patterns of thinking that contribute to emotional and psychological distress. For example, one might tend to expect the worst possible outcome (catastrophizing), even if there’s no reason to think that’s what will happen. 

Challenging and reframing faulty thoughts

Once negative patterns of thinking are identified, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) guides clients in questioning their accuracy and validity. Then, the client can follow up on this process by reframing or reimagining them as more realistic, balanced, and constructive. 

Changing behavioral patterns

In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a therapist helps individuals identify unhealthy or maladaptive behaviors and replace them with healthier, more productive alternatives. For example, avoiding social situations due to anxiety might be replaced with gradual exposure to those situations.

Developing coping skills

In CBT treatment, a therapist teaches practical techniques and strategies to help clients cope more effectively with daily challenges. For example, the client might learn stress management techniques like deep breathing or body mindfulness. Part of this process also includes building communication and problem-solving skills. 

Improving emotional regulation

Clients can gain better control over their emotional responses by changing destructive thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns. This can help reduce severe anxiety and alleviate depressive symptoms, anger, or fear. 

What is the main goal of behavioral therapy?

The main goal of a behavioral therapist in therapy is to help clients learn to manage their own mental health challenges effectively and cultivate complete well-being outside of treatment by learning different coping skills with long-term efficacy. 

What is virtual cognitive behavioral therapy?: What is an example of a CBT treatment?

There are several techniques that a therapist can combine to create a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment plan tailored to the individual. Treatment follows a structured approach, combining cognitive restructuring with behavioral interventions. Here’s an example of how counselors might use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy techniques to help a person with social anxiety:

• The CBT therapist first helps the individual identify the negative thoughts and feelings contributing to the issue. For example, the person might think, "If I speak in public, people will laugh at me," or "I’ll embarrass myself, and everyone will think I’m incompetent."

• The CBT therapist then guides the individual in challenging the accuracy of those thoughts. The client may be asked follow-up questions like, "What evidence do you have that people will laugh at you?" or "Is it really true that everyone will think poorly of you if you make a small mistake?"

• Once the individual understands that their negative thoughts may not be accurate, they work with the CBT therapist to control and reframe them. For example, they might develop alternative, more realistic thoughts such as, "Most people won’t even notice if I make a small mistake," or "Even if someone disagrees with my point, that doesn’t mean I’m incompetent."

• Once the individual understands how to control and reframe their distressing thoughts and feelings, they are gradually exposed to the situations they fear, beginning with less anxiety-provoking scenarios and slowly working their way up to more difficult ones. For example, they might start by speaking up in a small, supportive group of friends. Then, once they feel more comfortable, they might practice giving a short presentation in front of a few colleagues. Finally, they gradually build up to larger social situations, like giving a public speech or attending a large social gathering.

The CBT therapist may assign "homework" to practice these skills in real-life situations between sessions. For example, they may ask the person to start a conversation with a stranger or speak up during a meeting. The CBT therapist and individual regularly review progress throughout the therapy process, noting improvements in managing anxiety and building complete confidence in social situations.

CBT treatments may also include guided meditations or visualizations to recall events causing emotional distress. This allows the individual to understand better their effects on thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and mental well-being. Then, the CBT therapist and client work together to find practical solutions and productive ways to cope with them. 

Can I practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) without a degree?

No, you need to be a licensed therapist with an appropriate degree in a mental health field and a set amount of supervised clinical experience to practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists does offer CBT certifications for non-mental health professionals. These certifications can benefit individuals working in addiction treatment centers, professionally led support groups, and mental health facilities as technicians and paraprofessionals. One can also obtain a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) life coaching certification. 

Is virtual CBT free?

Virtual CBT or online cognitive behavioral therapy sessions are not usually offered for free, but there are free online CBT resources. For example, UK-based ThinkCBT offers free downloadable worksheets and exercises. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Blog, courtesy of Dr. Albert Bonfil and CBTLA, also provides a wealth of information on CBT and an open-access article distributed and free CBT course and workbook.

Can I learn CBT online?

There are some virtual CBT certification programs for mental health practitioners. In addition to those listed above, websites are available for people who would like to learn CBT themselves, such as OnlineCBTResources.co.uk and The National Health Service. If you’d like to learn CBT online on your own, carefully vet your sources and make sure they come from credible organizations.

Who needs cognitive therapy?

CBT treatment is an evidence-based approach that can benefit a wide range of patients with a wide variety of mental and physical challenges. For example: 

• People with depression or anxiety disorders: Cognitive therapy helps address negative patterns of thinking and distortions that contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or excessive worry. 

• People with phobias: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment is often effective in helping patients with phobias by assisting them to confront and reframe irrational fears. 

• People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Cognitive therapy can help patients recognize and change repetitive, maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.

• People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Cognitive therapy assists in reframing the traumatic event and reducing its emotional impact.

• People with eating disorders: It can help people challenge harmful beliefs about body image, food, and self-worth.

• People with substance use disorders: Cognitive therapy can be useful in identifying and altering thought patterns that contribute to addictive behaviors.

• People with emotional regulation issues: People who struggle to cope with stress or manage anger might learn healthier ways to think about and respond to stressful situations. 

• People with chronic pain or medical conditions: Cognitive therapy can help people cope with the discomfort of living with chronic pain or a long-term illness.

• People facing major life changes: People experiencing significant life transitions, such as divorce, loss, or unemployment, may benefit from learning to adapt their thinking patterns.