What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is most known as CBT, is a talking therapy developed by Aaron Beck which was initially developed to help those experiencing symptoms of depression. However, over the years research has shown that CBT is highly effective for many areas of mental health and psychological wellbeing including anxiety and management of emotional distress within physical health conditions.

There are many misconceptions around CBT and that “it’s about thinking positively” however, CBT has many other concepts and can often be a life-changing therapy.

CBT looks to identify and examine the relationship between what you think, how you feel and what you do and how they are interconnected and keeping us feeling trapped in a vicious cycle. CBT helps you to explore any thoughts and behaviours which may be unhelpful and to support you with developing new ways of coping.

CBT focuses on the here and the now which means it doesn’t focus too much on the past, although sometimes our current difficulties may be stemming from a previous event which would then be discussed further in sessions.

Below is a diagram of the CBT model showing how each part is interconnected and forms a vicious cycle that we often feel trapped and stuck in.

How do I know where to begin?

The first steps in CBT focus on being able to support and help you become more aware of how your mind works, identify the areas you are finding difficult or wanting to understand further and setting goals for you and your therapist to focus on throughout your sessions.

Your therapist will often discuss your current experiences with you and what is happening in your life and develop a “life map” also known as a formulation which helps you to identify your therapy journey and where you would like to begin.

CBT is a practical and collaborative therapy, it’s not active in terms of physical activity but more around actively practicing techniques and skills outside of therapy sessions that you go through with your therapist. This means that CBT can help you to manage your difficulties by changing the way you think, feel and behave and find practical ways of coping and strategies to improve your psychological wellbeing on a daily basis and help you to feel like you again.

Where do I go from here if I would like CBT therapy?

If CBT therapy is something you are considering or you are unsure whether this would be a helpful therapy for you. You can contact the highly trained therapists at Lifted Therapy by telephone or email or you can book an initial 20 minute telephone consultation where one of our friendly therapists will call you at your booked day and time to get to know you and talk through the helpful next steps for you.