What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on the notion that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel, are all connected. If we change or modify one of these areas, we will alter all the others.
When an individual feels anxious or worried, they often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how they feel. CBT works to help an individual notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so mood can be elevated. CBT therapy is effectively delivered through different platforms, online, via audio call or in-person.
CBT is a collaborative therapy, an individual works alongside their Psychotherapist/Psychologist closely, looking at how they think (cognitions) alongside what they do or do not do (behaviours). Specific value driven goals are created that act like a compass for treatment. To assist with creating specific goals, it is helpful to ask oneself, ‘what would I be doing differently, if this problem were not taking up so much of my time?’ ‘If this problem were not an issue, how would I be living my life?’
It is important to recognise that not all Psychotherapists or Psychologists are specialised in CBT. The British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP) is a governing body which holds a register of clinicians who hold a full licence and meet the criteria to practise CBT.
You can make contact with a BABCP accredited CBT Psychotherapist here (London based, online and in-person home visits available)
Why choose CBT?
CBT is embodied in research and evidence based. A significant amount of research is available that shows CBT, when delivered correctly, leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be more effective than other forms of psychological therapy alongside psychiatric medications. CBT uses evidence-based practice to that integrates the best available research, to offer individuals treatment recommendations which offers the maximum chance of benefit and minimum risk of harm (American Psychological Association, 2005)
The National Institute for Clinical Care and Excellence (NICE) is a national body which provides guidance on receiving quality care for health. CBT is recommended as the first therapy of choice for many different mental health conditions.
A CBT assessment is a good place to start, this is a space where questions about therapy can be answered, and a conclusion drawn if an individual is suitable for this form of therapy. CBT can be delivered effectively online, via phone or in-person. You can schedule an assessment to see whether you are suitable to receive CBT therapy (based in South London, therapy offered worldwide) with an accredited Psychotherapist by making contact
The benefits of CBT therapy include:
- Recognising distorted thinking more quickly
- Developing effective problem-solving skills
- Remaining calm in the face of difficult circumstances
- Gaining distance from negative thinking
- Understanding that thoughts do not have to dictate behaviours.
- Improving communication skills
- Better managing strong emotional reactions
- Shifting reactions to emotional triggers
- Practising more rational thought processes
- Strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence
- Managing the symptoms of mental health conditions
Am I suitable for CBT?
CBT therapy is commonly used to effectively treat Depression, Anxiety, and stress.
The National Institute for Clinical care and Excellence (NICE) recommend CBT as the first point of treatment for the following:
- Worry and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Depression and low mood
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Phobias including vomit, Emetophobia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self criticism and shame
- Eating problems
- Hoarding
- Low self-confidence and self-esteem
- Sleep problems
- Stress
- Lack of motivation and procrastination
What can I expect?
The number of CBT sessions needed depends on what is happening for the individual and complexity of the problem. Typically, people will require between six and twenty weekly sessions. Sessions can vary in length but will normally be 60 minutes. Sometimes sessions will be longer, for example when conducting exposure work, (exposure response prevention) for OCD.
CBT is mainly concerned with how we think and act now, although at times our current difficulties are related to things which have happened in our past, and so these might also be part of what is discussed in session.
Value driven goals for therapy are set together with the therapist after talking things through to properly understand the problem.
Important note
CBT therapy for stress, depression, or anxiety is effective when delivered by an accredited practitioner who has expertise in the area an individual is struggling with. CBT is not suitable for all problems or individuals. Other forms of therapy can be more suitable such as Compassion Focused Therapy and EMDR which can be discussed in assessment.
Contact
To schedule an assessment with an accredited fully licensed private CBT Therapist based in London, offering in-person at home treatment or online, please click here. You can also send enquiries via email: info@homebasedtalkingtherapy.com
Additional websites and useful information
The BABCP website includes information about CBT www.babcp.com
The National Institute of Clinical care and Excellence guidelines for mental health and behavioural disorders.
American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice. (2005). Report of the 2005 presidential task force on evidence-based practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Society.
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