Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a psycho-social intervention that aims to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions, primarily depression and anxiety disorders.
What are the benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
There are a number of advantages associated with CBT compared to other talking therapies, however for CBT to be successful, a committed approach is required, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
- Research has shown CBT can be as effective in control trials as medicine in treating many types of anxieties, depressive and other mental health issues.
- Treatment can take place in a relatively short period compared with other types of talking therapies, as you deal with specific problems and learn techniques to overcome them that you can transfer to deal with other problems.
- The structured nature of CBT means that it can be provided in different formats, like 121, groups or even over the phone or Video call. The skills you learn are practical, useful and helpful to enable you to cope better with future stresses and difficulties.
What can I expect from my treatment?
- During the first session you and your clinician will create a plan, outlining the treatment methods that will be used.
- You will be asked to complete questionnaires about your difficulties. These will be used to monitor your progress, guide treatment and identify problem areas. At every session, you and your clinician will write a session plan to ensure that everything that is important is covered and not missed out.
- Treatment will involve a regular review of any risks that have been identified with you. At the end of treatment, you will be encouraged to create a plan to help keep you on track, help prevent relapse as well as a plan should you lapse on how you can deal with it independently.