What Is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
It is a talking treatment which helps you to recognise problems and overcome
emotional difficulties. It is a practical treatment which focuses on
specific problem-solving techniques.
How Does It Work?
Emotional difficulties can arise from self-destructive ways of feeling,
thinking and behaving. You may misinterpret situations or symptoms in a negative
manner. This can lower your mood and in turn lead to further negative
thoughts and a worsening of your situation. The therapist helps you
to identify connections between your thoughts, how your thoughts affect you
and how you behave.
How Can It Help Me?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) gives you the opportunity to talk about
issues with your therapist. It helps you to gain a better understanding
of yourself, and having gained this understanding, it can help you lead a
more positive and constructive way of life. CBT helps people to develop
practical skills which can help them to go on to explore what lies at the
root of their feelings and behaviour.
Is It Right For Me?
The treatment is offered to people who are asking for a practical method
of treatment for a specific emotional difficulty. People often prefer
such talking treatments to the alternative of prescribed medication.
A combination of talking treatment and medication is the most effective solution
for some people.
What Do I have To Do?
You should be willing to take an active part in your treatment. Your therapist
may give you tasks to do between sessions. They may ask you to keep a diary
of how you are feeling. You may be asked to complete specific tasks in relation
to how you deal with particular situations and assessments on how the treatment
is going.
How Long Does It Last?
The treatment is usually brief and involves you seeing a therapist for
somewhere between 6 and 20 sessions. Each session usually lasts around 1 hour.
Does Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Work?
The treatment certainly does work, but not for everyone. No-one is
saying that it is easy, or that it is 100% effective; however results are
positive. CBT may not always be able to address the underlying cause
behind a problem, but it may be useful in helping you to develop practical
skills which can help you to manage your symptoms.
How Do I Find A Therapist?
CBT is usually practised by clinical psychologists within the NHS. Your
GP may be able to refer you to a psychologist who practices CBT, although
this service is not available everywhere. The other option, if you can afford
it, is to see a private therapist. The British Psychological Society
produces a register and directory of chartered psychologists.
September 1999
Useful Contacts
British Association For Behavioural And Cognitive Therapy P.O. Box
9
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 2GD
Telephone: 01254 875277
e-mail: info@babcp,com
website: www.babcp.com
Can provide
information on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and how to find practitioners.
British Psychological Society
St Andrew's House
48 Princess Road East
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE1 7DR
Telephone: 0116 2549 568
Produces a directory of chartered psychologists who may practice Cognitive
Behaviour Therapy.
Prevention Of Professional Abuse Network (POPAN)
1 Wyvil Court
Wyvil Road
London
SW8 2TG
Telephone: 0207 622 6334
Provides information and support to those who have been abused in counselling
or therapy.
