If our thinking is bogged down by distorted symbolic meanings, illogical reasoning and erroneous interpretations, we become, in truth, blind and deaf.
Aaron T. Beck
Understanding CBT!
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on how a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and behaviours. CBT is designed to help individuals overcome negative thought patterns in order to make significant life changes.
How does it work?
According to CBT, people’s pattern of thinking is like wearing a pair of glasses that makes us see the world in a specific way. CBT works by helping you identify and modify negative emotions and problematic behaviours. CBT can have a positive impact on how people feel and act and equip them with coping strategies that help them deal with challenges. It emphasises the need to identify, challenge, and change how a person views a situation.
What can CBT help with?
- Manage chronic physical symptoms
- Changing distortions and perceptions
- Manage symptoms of mental illness
- Prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms
- Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations
- Identify ways to manage emotions
- Resolve relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate
- Cope with grief or loss
- Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence
- Cope with a medical illness
Can CBT help you?
Research shows that CBT can offer support to people with various mental health conditions. There is also growing evidence that it can help to relieve chronic pain. There are now models for treating a wide range of conditions, including:
CBT works for
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Depression
- Phobias
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual disorders
- Anger management
- Marital conflict
- Child Behaviour Problems
- Many other mental and physical conditions
Types of CBT ?
CBT is a broad concept. Different types of CBT focus on various aspects of life. Some types address specific problems, for example, emotional or social challenges.
CBT encompasses a range of techniques and approaches that address thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. These can range from structured psychotherapies, various modalities to self-help materials.
What To Expect At Your Visit
Perhaps you’re down or anxious, not confident, feeling unsure or how to plan the next major step of your life or just feel that you aren’t living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer professional guidance, confidential self-discovery, true autonomy, positive outlook and empathetic support without any judgement.
Your initial appointment will likely be more rewarding if you do a little homework ahead of time. Doing so will not only help you clarify why you are seeking professional help but will also help the therapist.
Before your appointment, make a list of:
- Any issues, concerns, or symptoms you are coping with, even if they seem to be unrelated or are not the reason why you are seeking therapy
- Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
- All medications, vitamins or other supplements that you’re taking, including doses
- Questions to ask your Therapist