8

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

CBT is a form of therapy that looks deep into the links between

thoughts, emotions and behaviours. 

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The ‘cognitive’ refers to our thoughts and focuses on what we think

in certain situations and experiences. CBT looks at our

pattern of thinking and the way our thoughts a­ffect our

behaviour and mood.

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The ‘behavioural’ part of CBT refers to our behaviours

and what we do in certain situations. CBT looks at the role

our behaviour plays in a­ffecting our mood or maintaining

a problem.

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The ‘therapy’ part of CBT refers to the changes we make

with the use of diff­erent techniques and strategies. The

important word here being ‘change’. Tying new ways of

doing or thinking and monitoring any impact of these

changes. Looking at the situation from a variety of

diffr­erent perspectives can be difficult.

CBT has been shown to be effective in treating many

different types of disorders however it has proven most effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and phobias. It has also shown to be effective for those experiencing worry, depression and low mood.

The way we think is like wearing a pair glasses that have the power to make us see the world in a particular way. Our reality and the way we perceive things determines how we feel, think and behave.