Chronic fatigue syndrome: Using cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches you how to change your thinking and fears that prevent you from planning and managing your activities realistically. Research shows that people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can improve when they learn about their ability to control their health and then take steps to do so.^{1, 3}

Some facts about cognitive-behavioral therapy:

• It is not psychoanalysis. You will not be asked to lie on a couch and delve into your subconscious and your dreams.
• It's more like coaching or counseling. You and your therapist will talk about what your goals are and ways to reach them.
• It's not about fooling yourself into thinking positively. It's about learning how to think accurately about your situation instead of letting fear guide your feelings and your behavior.
• Therapists teach self-help strategies, such as gentle exercise, improving sleep habits, learning to pace daily activities, getting support from others, and daily meditation and relaxation exercises.

Continue to Why is this therapy helpful?

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