Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for a range of mental health concerns. It is a practical therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviours, to enable positive coping strategies, empowerment and behaviour change.
How does CBT work?
Here at Mind The Way Psychotherapy and Counselling, our therapist uses CBT to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
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Using structured sessions, this evidence-based therapy approach aims to teach clients practical strategies to challenge and modify unhelpful thinking, manage stress, and develop healthier behaviour patterns.
The key steps involved are:
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1. Assessment of history, issues, challenges and goals/ desired outcomes
2. Setting collaborative and achievable goals
3. Education on how thoughts, emotions and behaviours are connected
4. Identification of negative thought patterns
5. Behavioural activation
6. Development of coping strategies ​
7. Review, adjustment and relapse prevention
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What mental health concerns does it support?
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Stress related issues
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Trauma
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Eating disorders
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Sleep disorders
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Relationship issues
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Chronic pain
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Grief and loss
CBT is a versatile therapeutic approach, and is used for a wide range of mental health concerns.
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Anxiety disorders: CBT is helpful across a range of anxiety disorders. It helps individuals to identify and challenge negative thoughts (such as excessive worry), as well as using gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring to help individuals confront negative emotions and anxiety symptoms (such as panic attacks).
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Depression: by identifying negative thought patterns, individuals are supported to develop healthier, more realistic ways of thinking to improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.
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Stress related issues: CBT teaches stress management techniques and cognitive restructuring to reduce ongoing stress levels. It also promotes adaptive thinking and problem solving skills.
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Trauma: CBT can be used to help individuals process and reduce the impact of their traumatic memories.
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Eating disorders: CBT empowers individuals to gain control over their eating behaviours, improve their relationship with food, and foster a healthier self-image.
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Sleep disorders: CBT can be used to manage thoughts that interfere with sleep and, using specific CBT techniques, help to reduce the frequency of nightmares.
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Relationship issues: CBT helps couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier relationship patterns.
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Chronic pain: CBT helps individuals manage chronic pain by changing pain-related thoughts and promoting effective coping strategies.
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Grief and loss: CBT helps individuals to understand their reactions to grief, challenge unhelpful thoughts, manage intense emotions, to develop coping strategies, and to create a 'new normal'.
What are the advantages of CBT?
By focusing on practical skills, collaborative treatment, and evidence-based techniques, CBT offers a powerful and empowering path to wellbeing.
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Evidenced-based: First of all, CBT is backed by extensive research and has been demonstrated as an effective therapy approach for many issues.
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Empowering and collaborative: Our therapist will work collaboratively with clients to ensure they are actively involved in their treatment, which empowers them to take control of their mental health and make meaningful changes. Using a structured approach, CBT helps clients to identify their own, measurable goals and to maintain a clear direction throughout their treatment.
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Practical support: CBT equips clients with practical skills that they can use to manage their symptoms and cope with challenges. These skills can be used long after therapy has ended, promoting long term resilience. Also, CBT not only addresses thoughts but also focuses on changing behaviours. By modifying unhelpful behaviours and encouraging positive activities, clients can develop healthier habits.​
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Support for relapse prevention: CBT provides clients with strategies to prevent relapse. By recognising early warning signs and implementing coping mechanisms, clients can maintain their progress and prevent setbacks.
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A versatile, evidence-based approach that leads to significant and lasting improvements in mental health and wellbeing.​