Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an extremely popular and effective
choice of therapy among many professionals in the fields of Medicine,
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.
It is a type of Psychotherapy that is based on the idea that psychological problems are connected to the interaction of thoughts, behaviours and emotions. In other words, how we think, feel and act are all connected.
Many psychological symptoms are based on faulty or irrational assumptions or thoughts. By helping the client become aware of their own distorted thinking they can learn to respond in a more positive way to stressful situations. This enables change not only in their way of thinking, but also in how they feel and act.
This is an action oriented therapy that doesn't look to past causes, but is firmly focused on present and future changes. The client takes responsibility and learns to manage their own problems and not become dependant on the therapist.
CBT is a combination of Cognitive Therapy and Behavioural Therapy and is the result of the pioneering work done by Psychologists Aaron Beck and Albert Eilis in the 1960's.
CBT has been effective in helping resolve many emotional problems, but is probably most used with anxiety, fears, phobias and depression.