Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-established and researched therapeutic technique that emphasises the links between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It encourages us to identify “unhelpful” behaviours, thoughts or thinking patterns that can spiral us downwards into negative emotions, and instead offer ourselves alternative (more helpful) interpretations, thus resulting in more positive emotions and more functional behaviour.

CBT focuses on current problems, rather than looking at issues from the past. The aim is to make sense of overwhelming current problems by breaking them down into smaller parts, and then to identify practical strategies that can be used to improve daily state of mind.

Research indicates that CBT is particularly helpful in tackling problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and drug misuse. CBT can also be used to help people to cope with long-term health conditions. Treatment programs usually last between 6 weeks and 6 months, depending on the objectives and the difficulties being addressed.