Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
This is a focused approach based on the premise that cognitions influence feelings and behaviours, and that subsequent behaviours and emotions can influence cognitions. The clinician works with individuals to identify unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. CBT has two aspects: behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy. Behaviour therapy is based on the theory that behaviour is learned and therefore can be changed. Examples of behavioural techniques include exposure, activity scheduling, relaxation, and behaviour modification. Cognitive therapy is based on the theory that distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviours are the result of faulty patterns of thinking.
Therefore, therapeutic interventions such as cognitive restructuring and self-instructional training are aimed at replacing dysfunctional thoughts with more helpful cognitions, which leads to an alleviation of problem thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. In this review, metacognitive therapy has been included as part of CBT. Skills training (e.g., stress management, social skills training, parent training, and anger management) is another important component of CBT.
It helps you:
- Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts
- Learn practical strategies to manage anxiety and depression
- Develop new coping skills to reduce stress