What can CBT help with?
CBT is a relatively flexible therapy that can be adapted to meet your particular needs. Evidence suggests it can be an effective treatment for a range of mental health problems, such as:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(CBT)
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioural therapy also known as CBT, is a type of talking treatment which focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems.
It combines cognitive therapy (examining the things you think) and behaviour therapy (examining the things you do).
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CBT is based on the idea that the way we think about situations can affect the way we feel and behave. For example, if you interpret a situation negatively then you might experience negative emotions as a result, and those bad feelings might then lead you to behave in a certain way. If your negative interpretation of situations goes unchallenged, then these patterns in your thoughts, feelings and behaviour can become part of a continuous cycle.
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How does it work?
As your therapist, I will work with you to identify and challenge any negative thinking patterns and behaviour which may be causing you difficulties. In turn this can change the way you feel about situations, and enable you to change your behaviour in future.
We may focus on what is going on in your life right now, but may also look at your past, and think about how your past experiences impact the way you see the world.
Recommendations
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) particularly recommends CBT for depression and anxiety. There are also formal adaptations of CBT to treat particular mental health problems, such as phobias, eating disorders, PTSD and OCD.
You may also be offered CBT for:
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sexual and relationship problems
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insomnia (inability to sleep).
CBT can also help you find new ways to cope with physical health problems, such as:
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chronic fatigue syndrome
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chronic pain
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habits or problems, such as facial tics
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general health problems.
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You may also be offered CBT if you are experiencing a mental health problem alongside a physical health problem. The tools and techniques you learn during CBT can often be applied to other problems in the future.