What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is evidence based short-term psychological treatment.

Cognitive Behavioural therapy is based on 2 principles:

Our thoughts and beliefs affect  our behaviours, moods and physical experiences.

The way we perceive  an event can determine  our emotional, behavioural and  physiological responses to that event.

CBT is evidence-based-practice that utilizes the research findings to develop  theraputic interventions. According to National Institute for Clinical Excellence ( NICE), CBT is clinically proven to be effective and treatment of choice for a number of mental health issues including: anxiety, depression, bulimia, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder.

It has been found that CBT is effective in the areas listed above. However, that does not mean CBT cannot treat other presenting issues. This just means currently research is lacking findings to support as the treatment of choice for other presenting problems.


How Can CBT Help?

CBT looks at how problems from the past are maintained in the "here and now". It helps people to learn new methods of coping and problem solving which can be used for the rest of their lives.

During therapy you will learn how to  look at your thoughts and beliefs and to understand the link to your behaviours, mood and physical reactions. 

CBT is a structured approach - you agree goals for treatment with your therapist and try things out between sessions.

From a CBT perspective common factors leading to psychological distress often includes the following:

Unhelpful Behaviours (e.g. avoidance, withdraw, binging or  substance use);

Unhelpful Thoughts (e.g. looking at the worst part of an  experience).

Negative emotional states (e.g. hopelessness, or guilt).

Physical symptoms (e.g. lack of energy or heart palpitations).

Life events (e.g. trauma, stress, or death)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a therapeutic approach using an understanding of how our thinking affects our behaviours and emotions. It is a useful approach to help solve dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure.

 

How effective is CBT?

It is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where anxiety or depression is the main problem

It is the most effective psychological treatment for moderate and severe depression

It is as effective as antidepressants for many types of depression

CBT or CT was founded by Aaron Becks in Philadelphia. It was originally used for depression. It is now applicable to a whole range of symptoms and issues. His daughter Judith Becks is also a therapist and trainer of CT (Cognitive Therapy) at The Becks Institute in Philadelphia.

 

www.Beckinstitute.org

CBT is also about emotions - it is not contrary to popular myth only about thoughts. Many CBT therapists are also interested in the spiritual and the deeper aspects of life. It is not a superficial nor just scratches the surface. Good CBT therapists also are able to reach many areas of life. It is however, at foremost an outcome approach and works to achieve the objectives patients want.