Dr. Nanette Santoro shares with Giddy how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can change learned negative beliefs
Typically when menopause comes to mind, the focus is often on the physical symptoms
like night sweats, hot flashes and sleep problems. But a lot of women experiencing the transition into menopause have mental health concerns too. There are many treatment options available, including the promising cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT is a short term therapy that typically lasts four to six weeks. It aims to change learned negative thoughts and beliefs by working with a professional therapist. While CBT can be highly effective, it’s a lot of work.
“It involves implementing multiple behavior changes and tracking results,” explained Dr. Nanette Santoro, professor and E. Stewart Taylor chair of OB-GYN at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “This is especially true for insomnia because it involves rigid control of bedtime hours, lights out at a consistent time every night, and avoiding getting up and wandering around the house after waking up in the middle of the night.”
Being in the right mindset and being ready and willing to dive in is important for CBT treatment.