Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of counselling – a talking therapy – that aims to help you manage your problems through changing how you think (cognitive) and how you react to different situations (behaviour).

 

CBT focuses on problems and difficulties you are suffering and looks for practical ways to reduce or remove them.  It is helpful in tackling issues such as anxiety and depression, and in learning to cope with chronic illness in a more positive way.  

 

In times of stress, and mental distress, a person can think very differently about themselves and thoughts can be very extreme, negative and unhelpful.  This can aggravate the initial distress and you can end up in a very vicious, downward circle of negativity and despair.  You may also go through problems in your life and not know how to deal with the fallout.  There may be unresolved issues that are adding to your levels of stress and anxiety.

 

CBT can help identify these extreme ways of thinking and a therapist will challenge the reasons for it and will help you to find ways to change your thought patterns and behaviour and manage them in a more positive way.  It teaches you all the strategies you need to maintain a positive outlook and to put coping mechanisms in place.

 

A therapist will also set homework each week, whether it’s keeping a diary, practising new techniques, researching information, or just thinking about a particular question. 

 

CBT can be very hard, it’s very challenging but it’s very rewarding if you commit fully to the whole process and do all the work required.  Questions can be incredibly difficult to answer and it really makes you search deep inside for answers.  This can, on the one hand be very cathartic, but can also cause a lot of upset while you try and deal with your emotions.

 

CBT will usually involve weekly or fortnightly sessions with a therapist (although sessions can be moved further apart once an improvement has been seen).  The number of sessions varies greatly depending on your own personal problems, but usually a minimum of three months is required.

 

CBT may be available for free via the NHS but this is not always the case and some costs may be incurred – even if it’s a voluntary contribution.  Your GP can refer you to the Mental Health Services where you may undergo an assessment with a Social Worker.  He or she will evaluate your situation and discuss options available to you including possible workshops to attend or give you details of counselling services available and how to contact them.