What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is it and what can I expect?
Bringing about positive change by modifying the way we behave and think, using evidence-based techniques.
It is founded on the idea that there is a cyclical relationship between a) our emotions/physical state, b) our thoughts and c) our actions – each part directly affecting the others.
Unlike many other therapies, CBT predominantly focuses on the current problems, only referring to the past to allow understanding of the present.
CBT aims to equips you with coping strategies that you will continue to use for life, even after the problem may have resolved. These practical techniques then continue to support the maintenance of a healthy mentality and wellbeing.
CBT requires commitment. It involves exposing the self to uncomfortable emotions and exploring often unchartered or long since visited territory. Similar to learning any new skill, clients should expect to complete tasks and practice between sessions, allowing the brain to adopt the new strategies as habit.
Sessions are most effective when carried out weekly or bi-monthly during the main change stage. A short to medium term therapy, this can be completed in a relatively brief period compared to other therapies.
It is important to remember that capacity and responsibility for change rests on the client, not the therapist. Only the client can implement the changes, the therapist can only provide the tools and instructions.
What problems can CBT help?
Mental and Physical Health condition management.
Mental Health Conditions:
- Depression, Low Self Esteem, Perfectionism, Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders including Generalised Anxiety (GAD), Phobias, Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Health Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self harm or suicidal ideation
Long Term Physical Health Conditions – :although unable to cure symptoms CBT has proven effective in improving coping with;
- COPD, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, Asthma, Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Tinnitus and Chronic pain from musculoskeletal problems..
Stress and difficulties without an official label
You do not have to have a diagnosed mental health disorder to benefit from CBT. You don’t have to experience the problem 24 hours a day.
Put simply, if the problem is causing you mental distress and negatively impacting any part of your functioning then it merits trying to change that. CBT will likely be able to teach you strategies to build resilience and navigate a solution.
CBT is suited to work with a range of mild to moderate presentations like
- poor self-care, sleep problems, unhealthy relationships with food/exercise
- social isolation and struggles with procrastination/motivation.