Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Experiencing challenges with our mental health can be difficult and overwhelming, and seeking help takes courage. If you are considering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), know that you are taking a proactive step towards improving your well-being.
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals understand and change the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The goal of CBT is to empower individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to their distress.
CBT recognizes that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours can be interconnected and that changing one aspect can have a positive impact on the others. CBT therapists use a variety of techniques and strategies to help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
CBT is a collaborative process, with the therapist and client working together to achieve the individual's goals. The focus of CBT is on the present moment and finding practical solutions to the challenges the individual is facing.
In a compassionate CBT approach, the therapist creates a warm, empathetic and supportive environment that fosters a sense of safety and trust. The therapist may also use techniques such as mindfulness and self-compassion exercises to help the individual develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with themselves and their experiences.
It is important to note that CBT is not just about talking in therapy sessions. To see the most benefit from CBT, individuals are required to actively practice and apply the skills they learn in therapy to their daily lives, outside of sessions. This active participation and application of learned skills can help individuals make lasting changes and continue to experience improvement in their well-being.
Overall, CBT is a flexible and effective form of therapy that can help individuals manage and overcome a range of mental health challenges, when delivered in a compassionate and supportive manner and when the individual is actively engaged in the therapy process.