Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based, goal-oriented, structured approach to treating many psychological issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, relationship conflict, stress, addictions and psychosis. It is based on the concept that our thoughts/beliefs, emotions and behaviours all affect one another and influence how we interpret situations.
The purpose of CBT is to help you change your thoughts and behaviours to improve the way you feel. Ultimately, the goal is to help you resolve your personal difficulties, and learn to manage these issues more effectively.
How Does CBT Work?
In CBT, clients are taught strategies and exercises to apply both within and outside of therapy that make them more aware of and challenge unhelpful beliefs. The intention is to develop more adaptive/realisitc beliefs that improve mood, behavior and overall well-being.
A CBT approach typically includes:
- Tracking your thoughts and feelings in response to situations during the week
- Conducting exercises to weigh the evidence that supports or does not support a particular belief you have
- Challenging underlying assumptions that may be maladaptive
- Learning to define and understand an issue or event in more realistic ways
- Understanding how past experiences influenced your thoughts and feelings
- Trying new behaviours to shift your thoughts and mood
The role of the therapist is to listen in a non-judgemental and empathetic way, to understand your difficulties and work with you on psychological techniques to help cope with these difficulties. It is an active and collaborative therapy between the client and therapist. Sessions are typically focused on present concerns, and involve developing the skills you need to become your own therapist and effectively deal with situations on your own.
How long will I need CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy typically lasts between 8 and 20 sessions and are usually scheduled one hour per week. If more intensive treatment is required, the session length and frequency can be adjusted.
Treatment progress is regularly reviewed and sessions may be spaced out over time (i.e. every other week, once a month) to allow more time to practice skills learned in session.