
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Veteran Suicide Families
CBT Treatment Usually Involves Efforts to Change Thinking Patterns
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and so change the way they feel.
This is commonplace and a simple concept to grasp – it is focused therapy and OAS believes that CBT is a viable treatment option for families to consider.

With CBT, it is important to underline that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.
CBT is based on a model or theory that it’s not events themselves that upset us, but the meanings we give them. If our thoughts are too negative, it can block us seeing things or doing things that don’t fit – that disconfirm – what we believe is true. In other words, we continue to hold on to the same old thoughts and fail to learn anything new.
Therapies Specifically for PTSD from the National Center for Veteran Studies
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Conjoint Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD are two treatments that significantly reduce PTSD symptoms among military personnel and veterans. Over half of patients who receive the treatments fully recover from PTSD. CPT typically involves 12 individual therapy sessions and CBCT typically involves 16 couples sessions.
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for Suicide Prevention significantly reduces depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and the risk of suicide attempts among military personnel and veterans. The majority of patients who receive BCBT also report significant improvements in meaning and purpose in life. BCBT typically involves 12 individual therapy sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) improves the length and duration of one’s sleep, and increases daytime energy levels. Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of nightmares. CBT-I and IRT typically involve 6-10 individual therapy sessions.
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Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will.
Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans.
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