Everything you need to know about CBT: Is it right for you?

Cognitive behavioural therapy has emerged as one of the most popular forms of therapy over the last decade or so, to help with a variety of different conditions and how they affect the brain. 

It’s found and used to help people through things like PTSD, depression, addiction and phobias, with many a rehab clinic having specialists in CBT. It can be truly transformational in people’s lives, so if you’re struggling with a certain mental health condition, here’s all you need to know about cognitive behavioural therapy…

What is CBT?

First and foremost, a good start is actually understanding what CBT is and how it works. Essentially, it’s a structured, time-limited therapy that focuses on the connections and interplay between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It’s designed to understand how negative thought patterns affect behaviour and how people can modify their responses to improve their overall wellbeing.

It was developed in the 1960s and has grown hugely in popularity ever since as an effective way to deal with mental health conditions, challenging people to think differently about their negative thoughts and feelings.

How Does CBT Work?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a collaborative experience between client and therapist and revolves around a number of steps within sessions that will generally last between 45 minutes and an hour.

You can break down how CBT works into a handful of key components, all designed to allow people to recognise their thoughts and feelings, their negative coping mechanisms and choices and how they can build on them to make more positive moves going forward.

Assessment and Goal Setting

The initial sessions focus on understanding the client’s concerns, identifying problematic thought patterns, and establishing specific goals for therapy.

Cognitive Restructuring

Clients learn to recognise and challenge distorted thinking. For instance, if someone believes “I always fail,” they would be encouraged to examine evidence against this belief and develop a more balanced perspective.

Behavioural Activation

CBT often includes behavioural strategies to encourage engagement in enjoyable or meaningful activities, which can enhance mood and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.

Skill Development

Clients acquire practical skills to manage stress, enhance coping mechanisms, and develop problem-solving abilities. These tools are essential for maintaining progress after therapy has concluded.

Is CBT Right for You?

Now you know what CBT consists of, it’s generally a good idea to think about whether it’s the right kind of therapy for you. There are many different forms of therapy out there that can address the needs of people more specifically, so don’t worry if it doesn’t feel right for you.

Think about the following to determine if CBT is right for you, and if it is, reach out to an expert or your GP to set the wheels in motion and get the help you need.

Nature of the Problem

CBT is particularly beneficial for those dealing with specific, identifiable problems, such as anxiety or depression. It may be less suitable for individuals with more complex psychological issues or those requiring deeper exploration of unconscious processes.

Willingness to Engage

CBT requires active participation. Individuals who are motivated to challenge their thoughts and implement behavioural changes may find CBT especially rewarding.

Short-Term Focus

If you prefer a therapy that provides tangible results in a relatively short time frame, CBT may suit you well. The structured nature of CBT allows for measurable progress.

Coping with Situational Issues

CBT can be highly effective for addressing situational stressors, such as job-related anxiety, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.

CBT can be a really powerful tool for helping people get their mental health back in a stable position. But don’t worry, if it doesn’t feel right for you, still reach out to a professional who will be able to guide you through many more options of therapy that could be just what you’re looking for.