Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, often referred to as CBT, is a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapies.
Cognitive Therapy is based on the idea that our ways of thinking can trigger or fuel certain health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias, as well as other physical problems. Cognitive therapy helps individuals become aware of faulty and negative thoughts, so his/her experience of challenging situations becomes an opportunity for learning.
Behavioral Therapy aims at changing harmful and unhelpful behaviors. It focuses on responding to challenging situations in a more reasonable and effective ways.
How long is the duration of therapy?
CBT is generally considered short-term therapy, varying between 10 and 20 sessions. The length of treatment depends on the following factors:
The type of disorder
The severity of symptoms
How long you have been experiencing the symptoms before seeking treatment
Your response to therapy
How much stress you are experiencing during therapy
Level of social support
How does CBT help?
CBT helps individuals understand and manage their issues better. It helps clients to learn how to cope with the low mood and negative thinking in a healthier and effective manner.
CBT helps teach individuals how to create and sustain healthier coping tools and strategies, which can be used for mental health issues, general stress and negative emotions.
How is CBT different from other talking therapies?
CBT is a evidence-based talking therapy. It is different from other therapies as it is structured and focused on specific issues and outcomes. Different from other forms of talking therapies, CBT is focused on the present; the focus is on current issues and learning how to resolve current issues.
Which mental health disorders does CBT help with?
Anxiety disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Depression
Eating Disorders
Anger Management
Relationship issues
Drug and alcohol abuse
Body dysmorphic disorder
Chronic pain
Persistent fatigue.
Getting the most out of CBT
Approach psychotherapy as a partnership. You achieve the best outcomes when you share decision-making, and when you are actively participating in the therapy.
Be open and honest. Success of therapy depends on how willing you
are to share your true feelings and experiences.
Do not expect instant results. CBT will address emotional issues, which may be uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. It might take several sessions to make noticeable progress.
Follow up regularly. You might feel tempted to skip few sessions, but this will disrupt your progress. Regular session, at regular intervals has shown to be the most effective.
Follow your treatment plan. If your therapist asks you to do an activity between sessions, make sure you at least attempt to do it.
If you feel therapy is not working, discuss it with your therapist.