What is Cardiac Behavior Therapy?
Cardiac Behavior Therapy (CBT) refers to the treatment of patients who need to learn new skills or change behavior in order to maximize their cardiac and cardio-vascular functioning. CBT includes teaching breathing and relaxation techniques, mental relaxation techniques such as mental focusing, imagery and hypnotherapy, and cognitive techniques of managing stress through changes of attitudes and thought patterns. In addition, therapy may focus on other health related behavior changes that may be indicated, such as salt intake restriction, alcohol reduction, weight loss, exercise or smoking cessation. Counseling around areas of stress, such as work or family stress, and problem solving skills are part of CBT. The Center for Educational and Personal Development (CEPD Psychological Services) provides behavior health therapy for cardiac patients whose stress, job, family or marital conflicts aggravate medical problems or interfere with medical treatment. Our health psychology program helps
