Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-known type of talk therapy. It helps people deal with different mental health problems. It shows how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect our feelings and actions. This blog will explain what CBT is. It will also look at its methods and show how it helps with mental health and emotions.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was created by Aaron Temkin Beck in the 1960s. It started from ideas in the 1950s and ’60s about how people learn.
Definition of CBT
Basic Principles
Modern Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) uses proven methods to help with mental health issues. Studies show it works well for problems like depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD.
Historical Background
The start of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) changed how therapy was used. It focused on how thoughts affect feelings and behaviours. This helped to target all unhelpful areas of someone’s life affected by their mental health.
Assessment
Therapy will start with an in depth assessment to help the therapist understand what the client is experiences, and what their therapy goals are. Formulations might be draw up to look at how things are linking and maintaining. and what might need to be challenged.
How CBT Works
Focus on Thoughts, Beliefs, and Behaviours
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. People learn to notice and change their thinking patterns over time. And how to challenge and change unhelpful or avoidant behaviours.
Techniques of CBT
Common Techniques
Changing Negative Thoughts
Changing negative thoughts is a key part of CBT. This means finding negative thoughts and switching them with rational ones. By questioning unhelpful beliefs, people can think in a healthier way.
Challenging unhelpful behaviours
People will often avoid or utilise unhelpful when they are struggling with their mental health. Techniques such as graded exposure, can be helpful in overcoming and changing to more helpful behaviours. This will further help challenge any irrational thoughts.
Being Mindful
Being mindful is also a big part of CBT. These techniques help people focus on now without judging themselves. By practicing mindfulness through meditation, people can become more aware, control emotions better, and handle stress.
Benefits and Applications
Mental Health Conditions
Depression
Depression can make people feel sad and tired. It affects mood, thoughts, and daily life. CBT helps by changing negative thoughts into positive ones. People learn to think better and feel happier.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can cause irrational worry. It can stop them from doing things they like. CBT teaches ways to handle anxiety. By changing how they think and slowly facing fears, people can feel less worried.
Emotional Concerns
Stress Management
Stress can hurt both mind and body. CBT gives tools to manage stress well. People learn to spot stress triggers, change bad thoughts, and find healthy ways to cope.