Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

CBT is based on the idea that the way we think about and interpret situations
can affect the way we feel and behave.

It aims to identify unhelpful or destructive patterns of thinking and reacting in the first instance. These can then be modified or replaced with more positive or helpful ways of thinking and behaving. CBT uses a gradual and structured approach to develop more positive thoughts, more patterns of positive behaviour and an improved ability to cope with emotional
situations – overall improving the way you feel and view yourself.

Cognitive therapy focuses on changing two main types of thoughts:

• The unhelpful (automatic) thoughts that occur day to day and
• The core beliefs that drive these thoughts and which often have their roots in past experiences.

Whilst some negative thinking patterns can develop following a single event or through a series of life events, they can also start in childhood and become ingrained over time, e.g. through repeatedly being told ‘you are a failure’, a child may come to believe this.

CBT is one of the most effective therapies for many areas of psychological distress. It is particularly effective for conditions where anxiety or depression is prominent. The application of CBT varies according to the problem being addressed, but is essentially a collaborative and individualised approach.

CBT can also be used with children.