What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach which is based on scientific principles and which research has shown to be effective for a wide range of problems. Clients and therapists work together to identify and understand problems in terms of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The approach usually focuses on the ‘here and now’ and relies on a shared view of the problem which leads to identification of personalised, time-limited therapy goals and strategies which are continually monitored and evaluated.
What problems or difficulties can CBT help with?
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Phobias (specific, social, agoraphobia, BI)
- Habit disorders
- Sexual dysfunction, paraphilia’s
- Low Self Esteem
- Eating Disorders
- Psychosis
- Medically unexplained symptoms
- Medical problems e.g. diabetes, IBS
- Bipolar Disorder
- Personality Problems
Who is likely to gain most with CBT?
- If you accept there is a problem
- If you are curious about your own symptoms
- If you are willing to self-monitor
- If you can relate to the cognitive behavioural model
- If you are willing to try new ways of doing things
- If you are moderately distressed
- If you believe the approach may be of help to you
- If you accept they have some responsibility for changing the problem
- If you can access your thoughts/feelings