What is CBT?

Central to the conduct of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. CBT usually focuses on difficulties in the here and now, and relies on the counsellor and client developing a shared view of the individual's issues. This then leads to identification of personalised, usually time-limited therapy goals and strategies which are continually monitored and evaluated. The cognitive component in CBT refers to how people think about and create meaning about situations, symptoms and events in their lives and develop beliefs about themselves, others and the world. Cognitive therapy uses techniques to help people become more aware of how they reason, and the kinds of automatic thoughts that spring to mind and give meaning to things. It involves exploring and reflecting on the style of reasoning and thinking, and possibilities to think differently and more helpfully. The behavioural component in the CBT refers to the way in which people respond when distressed. Responses such as avoidance, reduced activity and unhelpful behaviours can act to keep the problems going or worsen how the person feels. CBT practitioners aim to help the person feel safe enough to gradually test out their assumptions and fears and change their behaviours. Importantly the cognitive and behavioural psychotherapies aim to directly target distressing symptoms, reduce distress, re-evaluate thinking and promote helpful behavioural responses by offering problem-focussed skills-based treatment interventions.

Counselling