Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

“It is not the situation but our response to it that can cause difficulties”

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a psychological approach which is based on scientific principles and research has shown to be effective for a wide range of problems. Both the person seeking help and the therapist work together to identify and understand problems in terms of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The focus is on the ‘here and now’ and a shared view of the problem. This then leads to identifying personal goals and strategies which are continually monitored and evaluated. Therapy is time limited, in that is a set number of sessions, for example 10, 15 or 20 sessions depending on the individual and their problems.

What sort of problems can be addressed by CBT?

• Anger

• Anxiety & Panic Attacks

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder

• Depression

• Eating Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Phobias

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

What happens in CBT Sessions?

In this form of therapy both the therapist and the person seeking help work together to

• Develop a shared understanding of the problem

• Identify how this affects thoughts, behaviours, feelings and daily functioning

Based on the understanding of each of the individual’s problems both will work together to identify goals and to agree on a shared treatment plan. The focus of therapy is to enable the person to generate solutions to their problems that are more helpful than their

present way of coping. This often involves using time between therapy sessions to try things out. What is done between therapy sessions is as important as what is done within sessions.

Therapy is organised over an agreed number of sessions. The number of sessions needed will differ depending on the nature and severity of the person’s problem. Sessions are usually weekly, last 45 minutes and take place over a period of between 10—15 sessions, but this can be shorter or longer. Following treatment an agreed limited number of follow-up sessions are arranged to maintain the progress that has been achieved.

This form of therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication, depending on the severity or nature of the problem.

Conditions or times that are unsuitable for CBT

• When Pregnant

• In a crisis situation

• Suicidal

• When reason for coming to therapy is not for self but for others