Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological therapy that is famous the world over. It has featured heavily in news, education magazines, and other forms of media because of its powerful ability to help people feel better. It helps people change their thoughts and behaviours in order to improve their well-being and can also treat some forms of physical illness.

CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all interconnected, and that our thoughts can influence our behaviours. CBT has been proven to be an effective treatment for a variety of well-being disorders, such as depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, eating difficulties and substance abuse. CBT aims to help people manage chronic pain, sleep disorders and relationship problems which have a negative impact in everyday life. 

Despite it being the world's most famous type of therapy approach, there are many who don't like the organized way which this technique approaches mental health issues. Some people find the structured approach too formal and clinical. Those who tend to dislike it most are therapists who practice different forms of therapy and believe their school of thought to be the best. The clinical evidence is undisputed, cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective way of treating many common mental health issues.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is usually provided by trained psychologists, psychiatrists or other mental health professionals. CBT can be delivered in individual therapy sessions, or in group or family therapy sessions. The length of treatment varies depending on the individual’s needs.  

If you are considering CBT for yourself or a loved one, it is important to find a qualified CBT therapist who has experience treating the specific problem that you are dealing with. You can expect to participate in weekly therapy CBT sessions, during which you will work with your therapist to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviours.  

CBT is an effective treatment for a variety of health disorders, and has been shown to provide lasting benefits for those who undergo treatment. If you are struggling with a mental health problem, and want better problem solving skills consider seeking out CBT from a qualified therapist in at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling. 

Behaviour Therapy Vs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? 

While Behaviour therapy, focuses mainly on what reinforces human or animal behaviour; CBT is different. It is a type of talking therapy or psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in order to improve mental health. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are all interconnected, and that by changing one we can change the others. People cope with their mental well-being in a variety of different ways. This can be a very effective treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.  

CBT usually involves working with a therapist to identify negative patterns in your thinking and behaviour, learning how to change them and helps to develop new coping skills. It is a relatively short-term therapy, and many people see significant improvements after just a few sessions. CBT helps people develop new skills, overcome past experiences, manage unhelpful thoughts, develop more realistic thoughts, and manage social situations with greater ease. If you are struggling with mental health issues, CBT may be a helpful and effective treatment option for you. 

What happens during a CBT session? 

In typical CBT sessions, the therapist and client work together to identify the client's goals, and then collaboratively develop a plan to help the client achieve those goals. The therapist will usually start by asking about the client's current situation and what they hope to achieve through talking therapy. The therapist will then help the client to identify any negative thought patterns or behaviours that may be contributing to their difficulties.  

Once these have been identified, the therapist will help the client to challenge and change these thoughts and behaviours. Throughout the process, the therapist will provide support and guidance, but ultimately it is up to the client to put into practice what they have learned. By working together in this way, therapist and client can develop a greater understanding of the client's difficulties and how to address them. 

Mental health problems 

Mental conditions affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behaviour. They can range from mild to severe, and can be short-term or long-term. Mental well-being challenges are common. In fact, one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health problem in any given year. And one in twenty-five adults experiences a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.  

Mental well-being issues can be caused by a number of factors, including biology, psychology, and social factors. Treatment for psychological issues often includes medication and talk therapy. Some people with mental health problems also benefit from support groups or other community resources. If you think you or someone you know may have a mental health problem, it is important to seek professional help. Early intervention can often improve the outcome of mental health challenges.  

Common mental health conditions 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—43.8 million, or 18.5%—experiences mental illness in a given year. Common mental presentations include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness, affecting 40 million adults in the United States, or 18.1% of the population.  

Anxiety disorders are characterised by feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension that are so intense that they interfere with daily activities. Depression is the second most common type of mental illness, affecting more than 16 million adults in the United States, or 6.7% of the population.  

Depression is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness and despair that can last for weeks or months. Bipolar disorder is the third most common type of mental illness, affecting 2.6% of adults in the United States. Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, from manic episodes of energy and euphoria to depressive episodes of fatigue and hopelessness. Though mental illness is common, it is often misunderstood and stigmatised. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, people with mental illness can lead happy and fulfilling lives. 

CBT and physical health problems  

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that CBT can be an effective treatment for a wide range of physical health problems. CBT is a type of talking therapy that helps people to change the way they think and feel about their experiences. It has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. In recent years, researchers have begun to investigate whether CBT can also help to improve physical health. 

A number of studies have indicated that CBT may be useful in treating conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The exact mechanisms by which CBT works are not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that the techniques used in CBT can help to break negative cycles of thinking and behaviours, which can lead to improved physical health. 

Effectiveness of CBT 

Over the past several decades, CBT has emerged as one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy. Research studies have consistently shown that CBT is an effective treatment for a wide range of mental well-being conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more. CBT is a short-term therapy that focuses on helping individuals to change negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviours. 

The goals of CBT are to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and promote long-term recovery. While CBT is typically provided by a trained therapist in an outpatient setting, there are also many self-help books and online resources that can provide guidance for CBT techniques. Ultimately, CBT is an effective treatment that can help individuals to achieve lasting change. 

How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy work? 

CBT is a widely used psychological treatment that helps people to change the way they think and behave. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all connected, and that by changing our thoughts and behaviours, we can feel better. CBT is usually delivered in a one-to-one setting, but can also be delivered in a group, both in person or online.  

Types of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

There are many different types of CBT, but all share the same basic principle: that our thoughts and beliefs affect our emotions and behaviours. The different types of CBT vary in terms of their focus and approach. Some commonly used types of CBT include exposure therapy, mindfulness-based CBT, and cognitive restructuring. 

Exposure therapy is often used to treat anxiety disorders, and involves gradually exposing the patient to the thing they are afraid of. Mindfulness-based CBT is a form of CBT that focuses on teaching patients to be aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. Cognitive restructuring is a type of CBT that helps patients to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. There are many other types of CBT, each with its own unique approach. However, all forms of CBT share the same goal: to help patients change their thoughts and behaviours in order to improve their mental well-being.  

Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. One of the main benefits of CBT is that it helps people to understand how their thoughts and behaviours are interconnected. This understanding can lead to lasting changes in the way people think and behave, which can improve their mental well-being in the long term.  

CBT is also a relatively short-term treatment, which means it can be completed in a few months. This makes it an ideal treatment for people who have busy schedules or who are reluctant to commit to long-term therapy. If you are struggling with your mental well-being, talk to your doctor about whether CBT might be right for you. 

Disadvantages of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many psychological conditions, it is not without its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of CBT is that it can be time-consuming and expensive. CBT typically requires weekly sessions with a therapist, and each session can last up to an hour.  

Another downside of CBT is that it requires a high level of motivation and commitment from both the therapist and the client. Without strong motivation from both parties, CBT may not be successful.  

Finally, some people may find CBT to be too confrontational or challenging. If a person is not ready to face their fears or susceptibilities, CBT may not be the right treatment for them. While it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages of CBT, it is also important to remember that CBT is an effective treatment for many psychological issues. When used in combination with other treatments, such as medication, CBT can be an incredibly powerful tool in managing mental health. 

Conclusion 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a widely used and effective psychological treatment for a variety of mental health issues. While it can be time-consuming and expensive, the benefits of CBT typically outweigh the disadvantages.  

Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling Services offers CBT delivered in a one-to-one setting online. Contact us today to learn more about how CBT can help you improve your mental well-being.