By Kyle Glover, Lead Clinician at San Diego Detox
CBT is the foundation of much of our clinical work at San Diego Detox, and I approach it with the goal of making it not only effective but deeply personal. It’s about delivering strategies that work—and doing it in a way that feels human, not clinical.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an approach that’s proven by research and used in treating both mental health conditions and addiction. CBT works by helping you understand and change the negative thought patterns that lead to unhealthy behaviors.
At San Diego Detox, we go beyond the standard CBT model. We personalize each session to meet clients where they are emotionally and mentally, tailoring delivery to each individual—whether it’s their first time in treatment or their fifth.
CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps identify and reshape the thoughts, emotions, and actions that influence behavior. It’s built around the idea that our thoughts drive our feelings, which in turn drive our actions. If we can shift the way we think, we can change the way we live.
In our program, we don’t treat CBT as a static curriculum. Many clients come in having ‘heard it all before.’ Our challenge—and our strength—is delivering it in a way that feels new, engaging, and relevant. We structure each group and one-on-one session to ensure clients aren’t just listening—they’re participating, reflecting, and applying what they learn.
CBT is a core strategy we use to address both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. It’s a practical method that helps break cycles of self-defeating behavior by teaching people how to recognize distorted thoughts, challenge them, and make healthier choices.
Whether someone is dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, CBT provides concrete tools to manage stress, avoid relapse, and regain a sense of control. At San Diego Detox, CBT is often integrated with mindfulness practices and trauma-informed care, creating a more well-rounded, personalized experience.
CBT is for anyone who feels stuck in patterns of thinking or behavior that no longer serve them. It’s especially effective for clients managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or substance use. For clients with co-occurring disorders, CBT is a reliable and flexible treatment that allows us to support both challenges at once.
One of CBT’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. In my sessions, I meet clients wherever they are—whether they’re skeptical, disengaged, or fully invested—and guide them with approaches that make sense for their mindset and goals.
CBT sessions here are focused and action-oriented. We start by setting goals, then dig into the thoughts and assumptions behind behaviors. Clients learn how to examine their thought patterns critically and reframe them constructively.
But CBT isn’t just about talk—it’s about transformation. I structure sessions to be dynamic and practical. We use exercises, real-life examples, and skill-building assignments to make sure clients can take what they learn and apply it immediately.
Whether in groups or one-on-one, we work on:
At San Diego Detox, CBT isn’t isolated—it’s part of a holistic treatment plan that combines clinical structure with human connection. Our experienced clinicians bring multiple therapeutic perspectives to the table, enhancing CBT with elements of mindfulness, group dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and more.
We also recognize that recovery isn’t linear. That’s why we work closely with clients to revise and evolve their treatment plans over time, ensuring that CBT always stays relevant to their stage of recovery.
Most importantly, we treat people with dignity. CBT here isn’t a lecture—it’s a collaboration. We treat our clients like the whole humans they are, and we celebrate every step forward with them.
The duration of a CBT program varies depending on your needs and goals, but generally, it’s a short-to-medium-term therapy lasting 8 to 20 weeks. Some people may benefit from longer-term treatment if they’re dealing with more complex issues.
Yes, CBT can be very effective for someone who’s experienced a relapse because one of its key components is learning to recognize and manage triggers, which is crucial to prevent future relapses. By working with our therapists, you can develop strategies to identify high-risk situations and strengthen your coping skills so you have better tools to maintain long-term sobriety.
Absolutely—CBT is highly effective for both. It helps with processing traumatic experiences and reducing the emotional distress associated with them. Techniques like cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy are commonly used to help people safely confront and reframe traumatic memories.
Therapists can use different techniques to help you identify and challenge negative or distorted thoughts. One technique is cognitive restructuring, which involves learning to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and replacing them with ones that are more balanced and realistic. Your therapist works with you to practice these techniques and ensure you feel confident using them on your own.
Making progress in CBT is often measured by achieving the goals you set at the start of your therapy. You could notice positive changes like improved mood, reduced anxiety or better coping skills for stress. Your therapist will review your progress regularly, adjusting your treatment plan as needed. If something isn’t working, they’ll collaborate to find new strategies that more effectively suit your needs.
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