‘You mainly feel the way you think’ Albert Ellis
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)is a short term psychological talking therapy which is a combination of a cognitive and behavioural strategies that underpin the treatment. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has two main influences; behaviour therapy as developed by Wolpe et al during the 1950 and 1960s and Cognitive Therapy developed by Aaron Beck beginning in the 1960s and increasing its profile and influence during the 1970s
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy suggests that emotional distress is perpetuated by the meaning that is attached to situations rather than the situation itself. CBT focuses on how your thoughts , beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour. For example if you are depressed you may believe that you are a failure which evokes a sense of sadness and apathy causing you to socially withdraw.
What to expect from CBT sessions?
.Agenda setting at the beginning of each appointment as CBT is a collaborative and structured.
.Talking about your experiences however the therapist will never coerce you to explore issues you feel unable to
.Discussing your thoughts, beliefs, emotions and behaviours to help you to understand how they maintain your problems
.Goal setting at the beginning of therapy as CBT is goal orientated therefore treatment is tailored to meet your specific and idiosyncratic targets
Learning tools to reframe your thoughts, tolerate emotional distress and accept rather than resist distress
.Facing your avoidance and procrastination to improve your wellbeing and test out your beliefs and predictions
.In between session tasks are integral to CBT as this allows become your own therapist
.Worksheets and diagrams are used in CBT to aid your psychological understanding
‘Whatever a person frequently thinks and reflects on, that will become the inclination of their mind’ Gautama Buddha
What can CBT help with?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has a strong evidence base and is effective in treating a range of experiences and emotional difficulties. The list below summarises some of the areas that CBT can help with:
Stress
Panic Attacks
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Phobias
Generalised Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Post traumatic Stress ( road traffic accidents, slips, trips, falls, Abuse)
Anger
Self esteem
Resilience
Personal Development
Eating Disorders
I f you have any further questions about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy feel free to send us an email at info@raphatherapyservices.com or get in touch on 0161 955 4720. I f you would like to benefit from a complimentary screening assessment feel free to get in touch
Martina Witter
Accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist