HIRAETH

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A form of psychotherapy concerned with transforming dysfunctional thinking and behaviours with the aim of influencing disturbed emotions. CBT focusses on the ‘here and now’ and does not concern itself with past causes or symptoms. CBT is a ‘talking therapy’. Clients talk about:

§     How they think about themselves, the world and other people

§     How what they do affects their thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapists are registered with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

Case Cameo

‘Simon was suffering from depression and avoiding social contact with others. Simon experienced considerable emotional distress because of his isolation. When questioned why, the patient revealed to his therapist that he was afraid of rejection, of what others may do or say to him. Upon further exploration with his therapist, they discovered that Simon’s real fear was not rejection, but the belief that he was hopelessly uninteresting and unlovable. His therapist then tested the reality of that assertion by having the patient name friends and family who love him and enjoy his company. By showing the patient that others value him, the therapist both exposes the irrationality of the patient's belief and provides him with a new model of thought to change his old behavior pattern. In this case, Simon learned to think, "I am an interesting and lovable person; therefore I should not have difficulty making new friends in social situations." Simon went on to change more "irrational cognitions" and experienced great relief from his depression.’

 (excert taken from www.healthline.com)