Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that allows individuals to develop healthy lifestyles. CBT is structured and short-form, problem-focused, and goal-oriented. CBT sessions usually last for 12-20 sessions. CBT focuses on current issues rather than on the past.

Furthermore, CBT allows clients to discuss strategies during sessions to be practiced at home and further develop coping skills.

Why might this approach be used?

The primary aim of CBT is to promote positive change in conscious and unconscious thought patterns, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. By establishing goals with the counsellor and linking thoughts to behaviours, the client can identify and process automatic, emotion-evoking thoughts positively.

Cognitive distortions, faulty and negative thinking patterns, are a primary focus of CBT and applied therapeutic techniques. An unravelling of sorts can occur when identifying and challenging these cognitive distortions (Kennerly et al., 2017).

When might this approach be used?

CBT is used for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and many more.

Variations and Types of CBT

CBT can come in all different types and can be divided into behaviour therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment therapy.

Other variations of CBT include Cognitive Therapy (CT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and many more.

How to get started

The first step would be to book a consultation with one of our therapists trained in this method. The therapist will then consider your symptoms, treatment history and therapy goals.

Be prepared to work collaboratively with your therapist to determine objectives and treatment plans. Als,o be prepared to be provided with homework and techniques to work on at home.