| back
to information service page
Mind factsheet: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) |
|
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,comwebsite: www.babcp.com
Can provide information on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and how to find practitioners. British
Psychological Society Telephone: 0116 2549 568 Produces a directory of chartered psychologists who may practice Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Prevention Of
Professional Abuse Network (POPAN) Telephone: 0207 622 6334 Provides information and support to those who have been abused in counselling or therapy. |
