Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well researched approach to treating a number of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. CBT has also been specifically adapted for use with people impacted by trauma and is considered a best practice in the treatment of PTSD.
What do you need to know about CBT?
In cognitive behavioural therapy, the relationship between thoughts, actions and behaviours is carefully explored. We have a tendency to believe everything we think is factual but CBT shows us that this may not be true. There can actually be many ways of viewing the same situation if we challenge our thinking process. Our automatic thoughts about a situation will impact our emotions and how we behave or respond to the thought. Therefore, using CBT approaches can help you to shift your thoughts towards new ways of thinking.
What to expect in a CBT session?
CBT tends to be more structured than other types of therapy . It usually occurs over a minimum of 6 to 10 sessions. Homework logs are often completed between sessions and are reviewed with your therapist. This tool is used to assist you in identifying patterns in your thoughts. You may also have core beliefs about yourself or the world that influence the way you think. These are also explored in CBT sessions.
What is trauma-focused CBT?
Trauma Focused-CBT applies the principles of CBT in working with people who have been directly impacted by trauma. TF-CBT has been shown to be effective in helping people of all ages. TF-CBT helps you to understand that you are not responsible for your trauma. It also addresses the shame and grief that often come with exposure to trauma. Like traditional CBT, TF-CBT is based in skill development and helps you to develop strategies to promote relaxation, emotional regulation, cognitive processing and healthy relationships.
What are the benefits of CBT?
CBT is proven to be safe, effective and adaptable and can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions and symptoms. CBT focuses on improving your emotional health and wellness by identifying and adapting negative thinking patterns to improve behavioural responses that may be interfering in your life. CBT is meant to be short term in duration and can lead to improvements in emotional regulation, chronic pain, sleep and relationships in a relatively short period of time.
