One of the most effective and widely researched tools in addiction and mental health treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people recognize and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel addiction, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Our licensed therapists are experienced in using CBT at Sheridan Grove Recovery in Aurora, CO. It's just one tool in our addiction therapy programs that can help you or a loved one on the road to recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a structured, evidence-based talk therapy method that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Originally developed in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron Beck, CBT has since become one of the most trusted therapies in addiction and mental health care.
The core goal of CBT is simple but powerful: change the way you think, to change the way you feel and act. For people in addiction recovery, that means breaking free from destructive thinking patterns like “I’ll never get better” or “I need to use to cope.”
CBT is based on the idea that perceptions shape emotions and actions. For example:
Therapists use CBT to teach people to identify and challenge these negative thoughts, replace them with healthier beliefs, and practice new behaviors. Over time, CBT can help break the cycle of addiction and emotional distress.
Several principles make CBT especially effective for people in addiction treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapists can also take a strengths-based approach. A strengths-based approach helps you identify positive qualities about yourself—your goals, beliefs, talents, morals—so you can use them to become resilient.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often explores the past, CBT emphasizes the present and the future. Instead of just talking about problems, CBT provides concrete strategies to cope with cravings, manage emotions, and rebuild a meaningful life in sobriety.
CBT is a type of talk therapy, but it's more goal-oriented than other forms of talk therapy (psychotherapy). Rather than client-led sessions, CBT will be guided by expert therapists. They'll be able to help you identify feelings and emotions so you can recognize them on your own. They will also work with you to figure out what kind of behaviors you need to change to reach your goals in recovery.
During treatment, clients practice useful skills such as:
CBT is one of the most researched therapies in the world, and is recommended as a front-line therapy for treating substance use disorder (SUD). That's because it's effective in:
CBT isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. People with very complex trauma or severe personality disorders may need longer-term or specialized approaches. Still, for most individuals in recovery, CBT is a powerful and adaptable tool.
At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we use CBT to address both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions:
Addiction & relapse prevention: Learn to manage triggers, cope with cravings, and replace “permission-giving” thoughts with healthier choices.
Anxiety disorders: Overcome panic attacks, phobias, and social anxiety through exposure and thought-challenging techniques.
Depression: Use cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation to break free from hopelessness.
ADHD: CBT helps improve focus, time management, and organizational skills.
Bipolar disorder: CBT supports mood stabilization, recognizing triggers, and developing coping strategies.
Our licensed professionals provide specialized mental health support. We know that most people with addiction also have co-occurring mental health issues, and we're here to provide integrated support. CBT may be a cornerstone of your personalized therapy plan when you start our program.
CBT sessions at Sheridan Grove Recovery are structured and supportive. You'll work one-on-one with your therapist or in group settings. Most sessions include:
Identifying what you/others in group want to change.
Focused discussion on current challenges.
Working through thought records, role-plays, or exposure exercises.
Applying skills in real-life situations.
Using simple tools to measure improvement.
Above all, you should expect progress. It may not be clear every week, but over time, you'll notice changes. Changes in the way you think, feel, react, and cope with life can help you leave drugs and alcohol behind for good.
For those who can’t always attend in person, online CBT and teletherapy options are available nationwide. These can include live video sessions with licensed therapists or guided digital CBT programs for independent practice.
We do not offer virtual therapy options at Sheridan Grove Recovery. However, we can help you find the right type of care when you're completing our program. We can help you determine if in-person or telehealth programs are the right fit for your journey. Our team can also recommend which types of therapy can help you keep making strides in recovery.
CBT shares similarities with other talk therapies. In fact, many modern talk therapies are specific types of CBT. Here's how cognitive-behavioral therapy stacks up against the other therapies we offer at Sheridan Grove:
CBT, in contrast, mostly focuses on recognizing and changing thought patterns. It's highly effective when paired with other therapy methods, like those listed above, and with medication.
Sticking to addiction treatment is easier when you connect with your therapy team. When you're looking for a place to start recovery, be sure to consider the staff, too. If you're interested in a CBT therapist:
Ensure your therapist is a licensed professional. You can verify Colorado therapy licenses on the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations website.
Use resources like the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) or Psychology Today.
Inquire about their CBT training, approach to relapse prevention, and experience treating co-occurring disorders.
At Sheridan Grove Recovery, our licensed therapists are highly trained in CBT and other evidence-based therapies. They'll take time to get to know you and answer any questions when you're starting treatment. We know this is a big change, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident in the road ahead.
Your journey begins with a free screening and consultation. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to guide you, and we accept both Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans.
Most people see progress in 12–20 sessions, but therapy length depends on your needs.
Yes. Many people benefit from combining CBT with medication-assisted treatment (MAT), especially in early recovery.
Your therapist will adjust strategies, introduce new tools, or recommend complementary therapies to support your growth.
CBT can be adapted for complex trauma, co-occurring disorders, and long-term challenges. At Sheridan Grove, we integrate CBT with medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and complementary therapies for the best outcomes.
Trevor Collins serves as Chief Executive Officer of Sheridan Grove Recovery, where he is deeply committed to ensuring that every individual who enters treatment is met with dignity, compassion, and the support needed for lasting recovery. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare and behavioral health, Trevor leads with a patient-first philosophy that places clinical quality, safety, and outcomes at the center of every decision.
At Sheridan Grove Recovery, Trevor focuses on creating an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their recovery journey. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened care coordination, improved access to clinical and support services, and enhanced patient engagement and satisfaction—while also ensuring the operational and financial stability necessary to sustain high-quality care.
Trevor’s background spans substance use treatment, behavioral health, hospital operations, and value-based care models. He brings a thoughtful, systems-based approach to leadership, emphasizing evidence-based practices, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement in both patient outcomes and staff support. He believes that when teams are well-supported and aligned around a shared mission, patients receive better care.
Guided by a strong sense of purpose, Trevor is dedicated to building programs that not only help individuals achieve sobriety, but also support long-term healing, resilience, and reintegration into their families and communities. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Social Science and Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University–Global Campus.
