CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

CBT is a way of helping people look at what they do and how they are feeling. Perhaps a way of behaving in the past has helped them deal with or defended them from difficult feelings, and now it is causing difficulties for them, or is producing more difficult feelings.

Cognitive therapy helps with thinking processes such as unwanted thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs (called cognitive processes)

Behavioural therapy focuses on behaviour in response to those thoughts

CBT is based on the belief that most unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving have been learned over a long period of time. Using a set of structured techniques, CBT is used to identify how a person is thinking and how this can cause problematic feelings and behaviour. The person can then learn to change this way of thinking. This will help them react more positively, which will boost self-esteem and confidence.

Negative thoughts usually lead to upsetting or angry feelings, which can then affect a person’s mood and their behaviour. If unable to counter such thoughts with a more positive view, a negative spiral starts and perceptions of a situation can become distorted. CBT encourages the client to challenge beliefs about their self and their abilities so that they achieve a more realistic view of the situation.
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