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CBT Clinics are located throughout the UK |
A Guide to Understanding CBT
WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach which is based on scientific principles and which research has shown to be highly effective for a wide range of problems. Client and therapists work together to identify and understand problems in terms of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The approach usually focuses on difficulties in the here and now, and relies on the therapist and client developing a shared view of the individual's problem. This then leads to the identification of personalised, time-limited therapy goals and strategies which are continually monitored and evaluated. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists work with individuals, families and groups. The approaches can be used to help anyone irrespective of ability, culture, race, gender or sexual preference.
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists are usually health professionals such as nurses, psychologists and doctors. All therapists aim to help clients achieve desired change in the way they think, feel and behave.
Here is an example of how our thoughts, feelings and behaviour can effect us:
´Sue was nearly asleep and by the time she managed to pick up the phone it had stopped ringing. She had been suffering from anxiety and depression for some time. Her daughter Liz, who had recently moved to London, immediately came to mind. Sue thought: "Something must have happened to Liz! That was the police calling to inform me that Liz has had a serious accident." She felt her stomach churning and her heart pounding at the thought that something could have happened to Liz. Her thoughts raced uncontrollably and she feared she could be losing her mind. She rang Liz's home number several times but there was no reply. Sue took this as further evidence that something bad had happened to Liz. Sue felt so panicky that she stayed up all night, despite taking extra medication. She felt dreadful thinking of all the things that could have happened and even thought of ringing some of the London hospitals. Sue found out from Liz the next morning that she had stayed the night at one of her friends' houses and was fine. Nevertheless, she remained distressed and unsettled and felt unable to go to work.´
WHAT HAPPENS IN COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL PSYCHOTHERAPY?
In CBT, the therapist and the client work together to:
• develop a shared understanding of the client's problem.
• identify how these affect the client's thoughts, behaviours, feelings and a daily functioning.
Based on the understanding of each client's individual problems the therapist and the client will then work together to identify goals and to agree to a shared treatment plan. The focus of therapy is to enable the client to generate solutions to their problems that are more helpful than their present ways of coping. This ften involves the client using the time between therapy sessions to try things out.
Therapy is organised over an agreed number of sessions. The number of sessions needed will differ depending on the nature and severity of a client's problem. Typically, sessions are weekly, last an hour and take place over a period of between 10 to 15 sessions, but this can be significantly shorter or longer. After treatment completion client and therapist usually agree to a limited number of follow-up sessions to maintain the progress achieved.
WHAT SORT OF PROBLEMS CAN CBT HELP WITH?
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• Phobias (e.g. agoraphobia, social phobia)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Eating problems
• Sexual and relationship problems
• Child and adolescent problems
• General Health problems
• Chronic Pain
• Habit problems (e.g. tics)
• Anger
• Drug or Alcohol problems
• Schizophrenia and Psychosis
• Problems associated with a learning disability
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Sleep Disorders
CBT can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication, depending on the severity or nature of each client's problem.
HOW DO I FIND A THERAPIST THAT CAN HELP ME USING THESE APPROACHES?
It is important that you are referred to a therapist who has been properly trained in the use of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy.
Many trained Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists operate within National Health Service. Alternatively you may want to consider a referral to a private Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. Many of our therapists hold senior clinical positions within the NHS whilst others work full time in private practice.
Sometimes private therapy can also be arranged by your General Practitioner or, if not, you may need to find a therapist on your own. If you do this, it is important that you ensure your therapist is properly qualified, receives regular supervision and has appropriate training.
Our Psychological Treatment Co-ordinators are available to help find the right therapist for you.