What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

It is not a lie on the couch and tell all type of therapy says DR VASOS SILIVISTRIS

As a psychotherapist, clients sometimes ask if they could have CBT treatment because they have read about it, or a friend has suggested it. CBT is one modality of psychotherapy (talking treatment).

CBT is a combination of cognitive therapy that helps with thinking processes, such as unwanted thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs (called cognitive processes) and behavioural therapy that focuses on behaviour in response to those thoughts.

It is one type of psychotherapy, and unlike other types it does not involve ‘talking freely’, or dwelling on events in your past to gain insight into your emotional state of mind. It is not a ‘lie on the couch and tell all’ type of therapy.

CBT tends to deal with the ‘here and now’, how your current thoughts and behaviour are affecting you now. It recognises that events in your past have shaped the way that you currently think and behave.

In particular, thought patterns and behaviour learned in childhood. However, CBT does not dwell on the past but aims to find solutions as to how to change your current thoughts and behaviour so that you can function better in the future.

CBT is also different to counselling, which is meant to be non-directive, empathic and supportive. Although the CBT therapist will offer support and empathy, the therapy has a structure, that is problem-focused and practical.

Several therapies that are designed to help solve problems in people’s lives come together as CBT. These problems include:

Anxiety

Depression

Panic attacks

Phobias, agoraphobia and social phobia

Bulimia

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Some forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Stress

Anger

Drug misuse

Alcohol abuse

Low self-esteem/self-worth

Neurological (Chronic fatigue syndrome / Myalgic / ME)

Insomnia

Sexual and relationship issues

Smoking cessation

In the early sixties, American psychotherapist Dr Aaron Beck helped to develop CBT and believed that the way we think about a situation affects the way we act. CBT can help you change the way you think (Cognitive) and what you do (Behaviour). These changes can help you feel better.

Unlike some of the other talking treatments, it focuses on the ‘here and now’ problems and difficulties. Instead of focusing on the causes of your distress or symptoms in the past, it looks for ways to improve your state of mind now.

 

How effective is CBT?

It is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where anxiety or depression is the main problem. It is as effective as antidepressants for many types of depression.

 

Limitations of CBT

CBT does not suit everyone and it is not helpful for all conditions. You need to be very committed and persistent in tackling and improving your problem with the help of the therapist.

 

It can be hard work

The ‘homework’ may be challenging. You may be taken out of your comfort zone when tackling situations which cause anxiety or distress. However, many people have greatly benefited from the course.

Lastly, CBT is widely used in the UK NHS because of its success rate.

 

Dr Vasilios Silivistris (Vasos) is a psychotherapist, counselling practitioner psychotherapycounselling.uk/