COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment used for a wide range of mental health conditions.

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The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for CBT in the UK and Ireland that “promotes, improves and upholds the standards of CBT practice, supervision and training”. More information on CBT, as outlined below, can be found on their website:

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.

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CBT is a talking therapy recommended for:

• Anxiety & panic

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Psychosis

• Mood disorders

• Insomnia

CBT can be implemented to improve functioning in ill-health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, and chronic pain, as indicated by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) which offers guidance on up-to-date evidence-based interventions.

CBT is based on a 5-areas approach focusing on the idea that thoughts, feelings, behaviours/actions, and how our bodies feel/sensations, are all connected. If we identify and change one of these aspects then we can alter the others. When we are depressed, anxious, upset, or distressed, we often fall into patterns of unhelpful thinking and behaving which can worsen how we feel and act. CBT works to help us raise awareness and alter problematic thinking or behaviour patterns so we can gain improvement in the longer term.

CBT can also help deal with stress, building confidence & self-esteem, and performance-related issues. During the pandemic stress, fatigue, and even burnout are experienced with changes to our home/work routine, working round the clock,  being ever-present, also referred to as “presenteeism” and potentially downplaying our own needs, 

We will explore “the story you tell yourself”.  This may include features of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and putting on a front to deflect others away from seeing any difficulties. This is a tiring process and does not allow others the opportunity to offer support. We will therefore tackle the root cause of such negative appraisal, fear, or apprehension, which can often be an obstacle to future progression. Together, we will identify and work on current stressors and unhelpful strategies.

As with other therapies, CBT is about mutual efforts between the therapist and client. It is collaborative and is a way of effectively working together on realistic, and achievable goals with a formulated approach. In between sessions, we will agree on out-of-session practice to complement our work.

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CBT can be completed alone, or at the same time as taking prescription medication from your GP. This will depend on the difficulty CBT is helping with and on your personal choice.

CBT should only be provided by a suitably qualified professional. To check out a therapist's accreditation status, the BABCP offer a public register of accredited therapists: CBT Register UK | The online register of CBT therapists for the UK and Ireland