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Dykes
What is cognitive-behavioural therapy?
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. The therapist helps you to understand current thought patterns. Identifying any harmful, unhelpful, and 'false' ideas or thoughts which you have that can trigger your health problem, or make it worse. The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid those ideas.
Behavioural therapy
This aims to change any behaviours that are harmful or not helpful. Various techniques are used. For example, In some people with phobias the avoidance can become extreme and affect day-to-day life. In this situation a type of behavioural therapy called 'exposure therapy' may be used. This is where you are gradually exposed more and more to feared situations, learning how to control anxiety and to cope when you face up to the feared situations
Cognitive-behavioural therapy - CBT
This is a mixture of cognitive and behavioural therapies. They are often combined because how we behave often reflects how we think about certain things or situations. The emphasis on cognitive or behavioural aspects of therapy can vary, depending on the condition being treated.
What conditions can be helped by cognitive-behavioural therapy?
CBT has been shown to help people with various condition - both mental health conditions and physical conditions.
For example:
- Certain anxiety disorders including phobias, panic attacks and panic disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Anger
- Post-traumatic-stress disorder
- Sexual and relationship problems
- Habits such as facial tics
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Some sleep problems
- Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME
- Chronic (persistent) pain
As a rule, the more specific the problem, the more likely CBT may help. This is because it is a practical therapy which focuses on particular problems and aims to overcome them. CBT is sometimes used alone, and sometimes used in addition to medication, depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated.
What is likely to happen during a course of cognitive-behavioural therapy?
The first session of therapy will usually include time for the therapist and you to develop a shared understanding of the problem. This is usually to identify how your thoughts, ideas, feelings and behaviours affect your day-to-day life. You should then agree a treatment plan and goals to achieve, and the number of sessions likely to be needed. Typically, a session of therapy is done once a week. It is common to have 10-15 sessions, but a course of CBT can be longer or shorter, depending on the nature and severity of the condition. You have to take an active part, and are given 'homework' between sessions. Eg, you may be asked to keep a diary of your thoughts which occur or later on you may be given homework to try out ways of coping which you have learned during therapy.
How well does cognitive-behaviour therapy work?
CBT has been shown in clinical trials to help ease symptoms of various mental, emotional and physical health problems. For example, research studies have shown that a course of CBT is just as effective as medication in treating depression and certain anxiety disorders. Long term benefits may help with eg. depression or anxiety which are less likely to recur in the future.
What is the difference between cognitive-behaviour therapy and other talking treatments?
CBT tends to deal with the 'here and now' - how your current thoughts and behaviours are affecting you now. It recognises that events in your past have shaped the way that you currently think and behave. In particular, thought patterns and behaviours learned in childhood, However, CBT does not dwell on the past, but aims to find solutions to how to change your current thoughts and behaviours so that you can function better in the future.
What are the limitations of cognitive-behavioural therapy?
CBT does not suit everyone and it is not helpful for all conditions. You need to be committed and persistent in tackling and improving your health problem with the help of the therapist. It can be hard work and challenging.
