Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy which focuses on developing strategies for tackling patterns of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which in turn can affect how we feel. It is a short term, time limited and structured therapy, which is focused on ‘the here and now’ to reduce problematic symptoms. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend CBT in the treatment for a range of emotional problems, including depression and a range of issues relating to anxiety.
In early sessions you and your therapist would work together to develop an understanding of your difficulties and consider what may be contributing to emotional difficulties (e.g. unhelpful thoughts, unhelpful behaviours or difficult life events). The next phase of therapy involves trying out new ways of thinking and coping, by using evidence-based techniques and strategies. It is important that people are motivated to experiment with making changes and are prepared to try things out between sessions in order to maximise the benefits.
Towards the end of therapy, to support you in continuing your progress, the focus is on preventing problems recurring in the future and planning how you might be able to cope with any setbacks.
If you would like to request an appointment for CBT, click here.
Listen to Lucy’s experience of CBT for obsessive compulsive disorder at iCope
Lucy’s experience of treatment for OCD at iCope
