Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a dynamic model that shows a universal appeal across cultures, ages and now sexual and gender minority individuals (Martell, 2004). The model has been recommended to treat a variety of mental health disorders including depression - (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2005).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended for individuals suffering from mental health problems (Compton et al, 2004). The model focuses on identifying, evaluating and changing dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours. It is a highly structured, practical and effective intervention for depression (Beck, 1993) and anxiety (Hoffman and Smits, 2008). The model recognises that when people get distressed they repeat patterns of unhelpful thinking and behaviour.
CBT allows the therapist to explore personal meanings by identifying and addressing the behaviours and thinking patterns that cause and maintain depression. It helps people develop alternate, more flexible and helpful coping mechanisms. CBT is therefore considered the ‘best practice’ for treating individuals suffering from mental health disorders. It is a relatively short-term effective treatment and most clients benefit from six to twenty sessions with a good outcome. However, long standing interpersonal issues often require longer-term treatment.
Cognitive behavioural approaches can also be adapted for people from specific cultural backgrounds and for people with mild learning difficulties. In the case of a mixed diagnosis cognitive restructuring can be combined with exposure therapy which can help people correct negative expectations about the consequences of facing their fears. Therefore, research has found cognitive restructuring to be an effective intervention for a variety of anxiety based disorders (Safren and Heimberg, 1998).
Research has also found computerised Cognitive behavioural therapies (cCBT) to be an effective evidence based self-help that is confidential and accessed privately from the comfort of people's own homes. This also supports the view that online therapy is just as effective as in person therapy. This could be a practical and financial solution for people who do not want to travel long distances. Online therapy can therefore provide a consistent anchor in your life amongst the ebbs and flow of life.
An approach used to treat people with borderline personality disorder but also used in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and patterns of destructive behaviours such as substance misuse and self-harm. DBT can help you manage strong emotions and symptoms, increase emotional resilience and decrease emotional reactivity.
A model developed for people struggling with complex mental health problems linked with shame and self-criticism. When integrated with other models CFT can help you let go of self-blame and the negative thoughts and feelings you attach to it.
A form of therapy that helps you embrace your thoughts and feelings instead of fighting or escaping them. The approach uses thought defusion techniques, acceptance as well as mindfulness based techniques to increase psychological flexibity.
Heal your wounds, release shame, guilt, and self-criticism and return to your most authentic self.
A short-term treatment that focuses on current thinking, behaviour and communication rather than on past experiences. It is a highly structured and goal orientated treatment. Cognitive therapy is applied for a broad range of psychological problems including depression, anxiety disorders and severe recurrent issues.
A trauma-specific treatment designed to help people who are suffering from symptoms of PTSD and other traumatic events such as childhood abuse, sexual abuse and other traumatic life events. The treatment focuses on people who are stuck in their thoughts about the trauma and wish to progress towards healing.
A form of therapy that takes into account the link between psychological distress and patterns of relationships derived from early life. An excellent treatment for people struggling with eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem and anger management.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that uses cognitive behavioural therapy methods in collaboration with mindfulness meditative practices. It is the ability to be aware of your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and actions consciously without judging or criticising yourself, others or your experience (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).
Mindfulness can be integrated with other forms of therapy including DBT (Linehanm 1993). Studies have shown mindfulness to be effective in treating major depressive disorders (Teasdale et al, 2000) reducing symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain (Kabat-Zinn et al, 1987) and increasing tolerance for distressing situations, increasing relaxation and increasing skills to cope with difficult situations.
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