What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
What Is CBT?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological intervention that focuses both on our patterns of thinking (cognitions), and associated actions (behaviours). CBT is a short-term treatment that focuses on the present.
CBT aims to help people identify and evaluate thinking habits, feelings and behaviours that are unhelpful and unrealistic. Through CBT, individuals can learn how to use practical strategies to change or modify their thinking and behaviours.
- CBT has been scientiﬁcally tested and found to be effective for many different concerns.
- CBT is ﬂexible and a can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences.
- CBT allows you to be actively involved in your own treatment.
- Beneﬁts obtained from CBT are long-term. You can keep using the strategies you have learnt and apply them in your day-to-day life after treatment has ended.
What Does CBT Involve?
An initial assessment – This will involve your Psychologist gaining all the necessary information to develop a formulation and treatment plan. You may also be required to answer some standardised questionnaires throughout this process.
Education – CBT aims to help people learn more about their presenting issues. Once you have a great understanding about what is going on, you are then in a better position to do something about it.
Setting goals – As CBT is short term, it is important that the goals of treatment are identiﬁed early on.
Challenging thoughts – CBT aims to teach people to check in with their negative automatic thoughts and examine the evidence for whether they are realistic.
Behavioural experiments – CBT is very much a “doing” type of treatment. You and your Psychologist will work on different strategies that you will be required to practice between sessions. Homework is regular part of CBT and to obtain maximum beneﬁts from the process, you need to be committed to practicing strategies and working on goals between sessions.
Start CBT With Cadence Psychology
Ready to start shifting your unhelpful beliefs and improving your mood? We’re ready to help you out. Just give us a call on 0478 876 678 or contact us using the form below to arrange an appointment.
You can also get more general information about Cadence Psychology’s approach to treatment, including costs and what to expect, on our Therapy page.