What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Main Category: Mental Health
Article Date: 12 Jul 2004 - 2:00 PDT

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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a short-term psychological treatment which is particularly suitable for specific, focused problems ranging from phobias and panic attacks to eating disorders and depression.

Mental health problems are common, and affect many adults. Depression, anxiety and phobias are among the most frequently diagnosed disorders.

A range of different treatments are available to address mental health problems. A course of medication is sometimes prescribed to help control emotions and to improve mood. "Talking treatments" are used, either on their own or in conjunction with medication. Common "talking treatments" include psychotherapy and counselling. These vary in length and content but have the general aim of examining the thought patterns and behaviours which characterise the mental health problem, and sometimes the past experiences which continue to influence it.

What is CBT?

CBT is a combination of cognitive therapy, which examines unwanted thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs (called cognitive processes) and behavioural therapy, which focuses on behaviour in response to those thoughts.

CBT is based on the belief that most unhealthy modes of thinking and behaving have been learned over a long period of time. Using a set of structured techniques, a CBT therapist aims to identify thinking that causes problematic feelings and behaviour. The client then learns to change this thinking which, in turn, leads to more appropriate and positive responses.

For example, negative thoughts usually lead to upsetting or angry feelings which then affect our mood and our behaviour. If a person is unable to counter such thoughts with a more positive stance, a negative spiral ensues and perceptions of a situation can become distorted. CBT encourages the person to challenge their beliefs about themselves and their abilities so that they achieve a more realistic view of the situation. Continues.....BUPA

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