Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
What is CBT?
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs ("cognitions") influence the way that we feel and behave. The goal of CBT is to understand and change the thoughts and behaviours which give rise to emotional difficulties, and to ensure that these problems do not return in the future. This is achieved using a number of highly effective tools and techniques which can be used both in the here-and-now and in the future.
CBT is a structured and supportive approach to therapy. It aims to improve problematic symptoms as quickly as possible. It is a collaborative therapy in the sense that you and your therapist work together as a team to understand and change the difficulties that bring you to treatment. Whilst the length of CBT varies according to individual needs, courses of therapy typically last between six and sixteen weeks (but may be longer for more complex and chronic conditions).
What can CBT help with, and does it work?
CBT is a highly effective and evidence-based form of psychotherapy. CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as the intervention of choice for many mental health difficulties. These include eating disorders, anxiety disorders anxiety disorders and depression.
More information about CBT can be found with the website for the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy: the only accrediting body for trained and fully qualified cognitive behavioural therapists.