Overview - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) stands out as a popular and widely recognised form of talking therapy, dedicated to reshaping individuals' thoughts and behaviours. Unlike traditional approaches, CBT delves into current issues, striving to discover practical strategies for improving daily well-being while acknowledging the past's impact on our self-perception, understanding of the world, and relationships—a facet that can be explored within a therapeutic relationship.

How CBT Works:

CBT operates on the principle that thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and actions are interconnected. Negative thought patterns can create cycles, where short-term relief perpetuates long-term problems, trapping individuals in a downward spiral and reactivating during times of hardship. My approach involves breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable parts, teaching clients to identify and change these negative patterns, fostering a more positive mindset, and understanding the origins and perpetuating factors of these issues.

Who Can CBT Help?

CBT has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions beyond anxiety and depression. My experience covers conditions such as borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, OCD, panic disorder, phobias, PTSD, sleep problems, and issues related to alcohol misuse. Additionally, CBT can be beneficial for managing long-term health conditions like IBS, CFS, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.

CBT Sessions with Me:

If CBT is recommended, sessions with me usually occur weekly or bi-weekly, lasting 50 minutes each. The treatment course spans between 6 and 24 sessions. Together, we will dissect your problems, analysing thoughts, physical feelings, and actions to identify and challenge unhelpful patterns. Practical strategies are introduced, and you are encouraged to apply these changes in your daily life. The goal is to equip you with the skills to manage problems independently, even after formal treatment concludes.

A CBT session with me is an interactive and collaborative exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We work together to identify and understand patterns contributing to your challenges. Beyond practical coping skills, the aim is to facilitate deeper therapeutic and meaningful change. During sessions, we break down overwhelming issues into manageable parts, examining how your thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected. This process is not just about acquiring coping skills; it's a journey toward understanding the root of internal conflicts and transforming the way you perceive and respond to them. By delving into underlying beliefs and unhelpful rules and assumptions, we aim for profound shifts in perspective, fostering awareness of how these patterns influence your experiences, providing you with tools to challenge and reshape them.

CBT goes beyond surface-level solutions; it addresses the core of internal conflicts. Through a supportive and empathetic approach, we create a space where you can explore and express your emotions freely. This emotional exploration is integral to fostering genuine and lasting change. The goal is not just to equip you with practical skills but to empower you with a deeper understanding of yourself. As we navigate the complexities of your inner world, the intention is for you to feel liberated from the constraints of internal conflicts, paving the way for authentic and meaningful transformation.

Pros and Cons of CBT:

CBT boasts several advantages, including its relatively short duration, structured nature allowing for various formats, practical strategies applicable beyond therapy, and effectiveness comparable to medication in certain cases. However, commitment and active participation are crucial, and the confrontational nature of emotions may be challenging for some. CBT may not suit those with complex mental health needs or learning difficulties and often cannot address broader systemic or familial issues. Longer-term therapeutic approaches may be better suited to addressing interpersonal dynamics and enduring symptoms.

My Therapeutic Approach:

With 8 years of experience in mental health, my authentic and caring stance, combined with a firm and direct approach, establishes a strong therapeutic relationship. My background in neuropsychology and high-intensity CBT ensures that therapy is evidence-based, organised, and tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion:

If you find yourself grappling with critical thoughts, despair, or anxiety, I offer a supportive space to navigate and understand these challenges. With a commitment to positive transformations and improved mental well-being, my CBT sessions provide a pathway to living a freer and more fulfilling life. Embrace the opportunity to take the first step towards meaningful change and embark on a journey towards a better, more empowered version of yourself. Together, we can unlock the potential for lasting transformation and emotional well-being.