About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a short-term talking treatment that has a highly practical approach to problem-solving. It aims to change patterns of thinking or behaviour that are behind peoples's difficulties, and so change the way they feel.CBT focuses on the thoughts, images, beliefs and attitudes that we hold (our cognitive processes) and how this relates to the way we behave, as a way of dealing with emotional problems.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is:
- A talking treatment based on scientific principles, in which client and
therapist work together to identify and understand particular difficulties. - Effective for a wide range of problems and recommended by the Government, (see www.nice.org.uk).
- Collaborative: client and therapist work together to understand problems.
- Focused on the here and now.
- A list of personalized, time-limited treatment goals is developed along with strategies for change.
- Brief - typically between 6 – 12 sessions, each session usually lasting an hour.
- Confidential - what is said in sessions is private(within the limits of professional discretion).
How can you be sure a CBT-Therapist is fully qualified to practice?
When looking for a psychologist or counsellor who can provide cognitive behavioural therapy you should visit the website of the BABCP (British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), which is www.babcp.com
On this website is a search option ('Find a therapist') where you can find all qualified therapists in your area, just type in the first two letters of your postcode.
