ABOUT CBT

Introduction

CBT is a very active and structured form of therapy that focuses on negative thoughts (cognitions) and behaviours as a means of bringing about change.   The premise behind CBT is that it is not events themselves that make people feel the way they do but rather people’s interpretations of those events.  Research has shown however that psychological distress is often caused by interpretations that are distorted and unrealistic.  CBT aims to help clients identify distorted thinking where it occurs and replace it with helpful realistic thinking.  Negative thoughts also lead to dysfunctional behaviours.  CBT targets these as well.

CBT is active:

CBT is active in that clients work collaboratively with the therapist to resolve their problems.  Communication is open and honest and the therapy process is completely transparent.  Clients are expected to complete ‘homework’ between sessions and therapeutic gains are very much dependent on this homework being completed.  The homework component in CBT is vital because the ultimate aim of CBT is for the client to end up ‘being their own therapist’, therefore it is crucial that they are practising and honing their CBT skills as therapy progresses.  Homework could comprise any of the following: reading suggested material, keeping a record of the thoughts that you have in particular problem situations, challenging your negative thoughts (after you have been taught how to do this), coming up with new, realistic ways of thinking, behaving differently in a problem situation.  Please note that homework is not imposed by the therapist, but is instead mutually agreed at the end of each session. 

CBT is structured:

CBT is structured rather than vague.  Clients are taught a range of CBT skills and how to apply them.  These are all presented in a clear and logical manner which makes sense to the client.  At no point should it be unclear to the client what he or she is doing and why.

WHAT PROBLEMS IS CBT GOOD FOR?

CBT is used widely throughout the NHS, the reason being that there is a strong evidence base for its effectiveness in treating a diverse range of problems:

1. depression
2. stress and anxiety including
1. work related stress
2. social anxiety
3. public speaking anxiety
4. performance anxiety
5. health anxiety
3. panic attacks
4. phobias
5. obsessive compulsive disorder
6. post-traumatic stress disorder
7. sexual problems
8. relationship problems
9. anger