What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & how can it help?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, also referred to as CBT is an evidence based psychological treatment shown to be one of the most effective treatments for the management of anxiety. Research has shown CBT to be effective in treatment of general anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders. In addition, CBT is appropriate for mood disorders, eating disorders and emotional dysregulation.

CBT is solution focused form of psychotherapy that involves two components, a cognitive component, and a behavioral component. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy involves learning new skills to manage and understand symptoms, which helps clients develop new ways of thinking and behaving. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy addresses negative patterns and distortions in the way clients view themselves and the world around them.

Unlike medications, which may have unwanted side effects, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, has few risks. CBT uses a wide range of strategies to help clients. These strategies may include journaling, relaxation techniques, mindfulness techniques, role-playing and exposure therapy.

CBT is a collaborative treatment therefore its benefits are affected by the client’s willingness to participate in and out of the therapy session. 

What are some of the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

There are several principles of CBT that are important to understand.

1.     CBT focuses on the here and now.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is designed to target a specific problem or symptom. The benefit of this is that the goal(s) of therapy is clear from the start and clients do not spend and extended number of sessions determining the root problem.

2.     CBT emphasizes collaboration and active participation.

CBT works best when clients take an active role in determining treatment goals and the therapist tailors those components to the client’s specific needs. Homework, what the client is asked to do outside of the session time, is a key component of CBT treatment. 

3.     CBT is structured and time-limited

CBT can offer clients relief in a relatively short period of time and each session follows a predictable order and builds on previous sessions. It is designed as a short-term therapy. 

 How does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Work?

The basic premise of CBT is that our thoughts affect the way we feel not external events. Different emotions evoke different emotions in people depending upon personal expectations attitudes and beliefs. For clients with anxiety, negative ways of thinking lead to negative emotions. The goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is to identify the negative thoughts, beliefs and correct them. - Kate Harvey, Professional Counsellor