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How has the pandemic impacted the use and popularity of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Alexus Luckman

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and popularity of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The need for mental health services has increased significantly due to the pandemic's impact on lives, jobs, and lifestyles. With people feeling more stressed than ever, CBT has become an increasingly popular treatment option.

One of the main ways the pandemic has impacted the use of CBT is through increased adoption of teletherapy. With social distancing measures in place, traditional in-person therapy sessions have decreased in popularity. Instead, people have turned to teletherapy as a means to access therapy safely from home. CBT lends itself well to teletherapy because it is a structured and goal-oriented approach that can be easily adapted to a virtual setting.

Furthermore, the pandemic has increased interest in self-help resources and tools. With more people looking for ways to manage their mental health from the comfort of their own homes, CBT-based mobile apps and online courses have become increasingly popular. These resources provide accessible and affordable ways for people to learn and practice CBT techniques without visiting a therapist.

Another factor that has impacted the use of CBT during the pandemic is the increased prevalence of racial trauma. The pandemic and its associated stressors have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, leading to increased experiences of racism and discrimination. As a result, there has been a growing need for therapists who are trained in culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches, like CBT.

Finally, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of preventative mental health care. Rather than simply addressing mental health issues after they arise, there is a growing interest in preventing mental health problems before they occur. CBT has been shown to be an effective preventative intervention, and as such, its popularity has increased. With people recognizing the long-term benefits of CBT, many are looking to incorporate CBT techniques into their daily lives to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

In conclusion, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and popularity of CBT. The adoption of teletherapy, increased interest in self-help resources and tools, heightened awareness of racial trauma, and a growing interest in preventative mental health care have all contributed to its increasing popularity. As we continue to navigate the pandemic's ongoing impact on our mental health, CBT will remain a critical tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.