Mental aspects of impactful methods in cognitive treatment

Abstract

Introduction: in modern psychotherapeutic practice, there has been growing interest in integrating suggestive methods into cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This trend was driven by the need to enhance the effectiveness of interventions with clients of different profiles, particularly in the transition to digital therapy formats where suggestion acquired new forms of implementation. 
Methods: the study was based on qualitative and content analysis of contemporary scientific sources addressing empirical and clinical aspects of suggestion in CBT. 
Results: the analysis identified the main forms of suggestive influence and highlighted the key psychological mechanisms of their action. The effectiveness of suggestive techniques was established in the treatment of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic states, and eating disorders. A summarizing table of psychological mechanisms and an author’s scheme reflecting the stages of suggestion in the CBT process were constructed. It was shown that suggestion could be successfully integrated into both traditional and digital formats of therapeutic interaction, particularly through affirmations, metaphors, visualizations, and resource messages. 
Conclusions: suggestive techniques were found to enrich CBT interventions by enhancing motivation and emotional engagement. The results provided practical opportunities for adapting therapeutic programs, including online applications, with suggestive elements. The proposed generalizations may serve as a basis for developing personalized CBT models that are responsive to the client’s emotional state and level of motivation.