Psychology: CBT
CBT sets out to help patients change the way that they think, feel and behave. CBT is used as a treatment for various mental health and physical problems and is delivered by trained psychologists and cognitive behavioural therapists who work with a variety problems including:
- Certain anxiety disorders including phobias, panic attacks and panic disorder.
- Post traumatic stress disorder.
A layman’s guide to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Therapy
Our 'cognitive processes' are our thoughts which include our ideas, mental images, beliefs and attitudes. Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or 'fuel', certain health problems – for example, anxiety, depression, phobias, etc - but also physical problems.
The therapist helps the patient understand their current thought patterns and, in particular, identify any harmful, unhelpful, and 'false' ideas or thoughts which that can trigger health problems, or make them worse. The aim is then to change the patient’s ways of thinking to avoid these ideas, and produce thought patterns that are more realistic and helpful.
Behaviour Therapy
Behaviour therapy aims to change any behaviors that are harmful or not helpful. For example in some people with phobias the avoidance of situations can become extreme and affect day-to-day life. In this situation a type of behavior therapy called 'exposure therapy' may be used where the patient is gradually exposed more and more to feared situations.
The therapist teaches how to control anxiety and face up to the feared situations. Deep breathing and other techniques are also employed.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy - CBT
Cognitive and behavior therapies are often combined because how a person behaves often reflects how they think about certain things or situations. The emphasis on cognitive or behavior aspects of therapy can vary, depending on the condition being treated.