Cognitive Behaviour therapy (CBT)
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioural therapies, or CBT, are a range of talking therapies based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, our behaviour and how our body feels are all connected. It proposes that making changes in any one of these areas can help to create changes in the other areas.
When people feel worried or distressed they often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how they feel. This can in turn create a negative feedback loop.
How does CBT Work?
CBT works to help us notice these patterns and change our thinking styles and mindsets so we can function in a more healthy and effective manner. For example, if we think that others do not like us, is it likely that we will either be standoffish with others or will become a people pleaser putting others needs above our own.
Neither of these strategies is helpful to us. However, changing our thought patterns through examining the evidence and other CBT techniques allows us to develop more healthy thought processes and behaviour changes as a result.
CBT is a collaborative therapy meaning that both the therapist and client play a part in recovery. It has a good evidence base for a wide range of mental health problems in adults.
CBT Research
This research has been carefully reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which provide independent, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on the most effective ways to treat disease and ill health.
What is CBT helpful in treating?
There is also good evidence that CBT is helpful in treating many conditions, including:
- Assertiveness
- A range of anxiety disorders
- Stress
CBT can be used in conjunction with medication that has been prescribed by your GP. You can also use CBT on its own.
