What is CBT?
CBT is a psychological therapy that helps clients to overcome and manage their difficulties by changing the way that they think and behave.
It is based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are all interconnected. For example, our thoughts may impact on the way that we feel and behave. Similarly the way we act may impact on our thoughts and feelings. Sometimes our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour can trap us into a negative cycle, which may lead to us feeling anxious, scared or low in mood.
CBT aims to interrupt these negative cycles by breaking down problems that feel overwhelming into smaller more manageable parts. It impacts on negative cycles to improve the way that you feel.
- CBT is a talking therapy
- CBT is a focused therapy, with treatment usually ranging between 6 and 20 sessions.
- CBT assists clients in understanding the nature of their problem, why it may have developed, what triggers it and what is likely to be maintaining it.
- CBT is a practical therapy which focuses more on the present and less on the past, which differentiates it from some other talking therapies.
- CBT teaches clients techniques and strategies for overcoming their difficulties in the short-term and maintaining recovery in the longer-term. It aims to get the client to the point where they have the knowledge, understanding and confidence to manage their challenges independently, without the help of a therapist.
