Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychological therapy used for many different mental health conditions, including different types of anxiety. It involves building awareness and insight of how our thoughts contribute to the emotions we feel, as well as how we respond to things that trigger our anxiety. It is built on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all connected. If we can learn to change how we think and how we react, we will change how we feel, over time.
Research supports the effectiveness of CBT and it is often considered the “gold standard” of treatment. There are many different types of CBT now, and contrary to popular belief, it is not all about worksheets and homework! A therapist who is skilled in CBT will always use it in a personalised, non manualised way that is tailored for you and your specific needs.
Other Types of CBT Therapies Include:
- Acceptance and Commitment therapy: a therapy approach that can be extremely helpful in learning to accept uncomfortable emotions and situations outside of our control, while committing to positive change by doing more of what you value in life. It has been used effectively in the areas of chronic pain, long term health conditions, and in treatment of anxiety.
- Dialectical Behaviour therapy: this type of therapy involves learning coping skills in how to manage the intensity of our emotions, increase our tolerance of distressing life events, and improve our relationships with others. This type of therapy can be helpful for people who struggle with emotional outbursts, problematic relationships, and who feel overwhelmed by life.
- Mindfulness based CBT: research shows that adding in meditations and strategies that train us to pay attention to our in the moment thoughts and feelings can be effective for people who have difficulty dis engaging from worries and being fully present in the moment.
- Trauma focused CBT: a specific treatment protocol for people struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Exposure and Response Prevention: a specific treatment protocol for people struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
I have received training in all of the above CBT based therapies and will draw on a range of these approaches in my sessions, depending on your particular issues and needs. If you would like to explore the possibility of working with me, please use the contact form to set up a free 15 minute telephone consultation.
