Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach focusing on helping a person to identify and change the thoughts (cognition) and behaviours that are causing them difficulties. The aim is to assess the negative thoughts a person is having about themselves, and their view of the world, and to replace them with more positive and constructive thoughts and behaviours. By addressing the thoughts and behaviours which contribute to the development and maintenance of problems, CBT seeks to offer a holistic approach to mental health.
A person undertaking CBT will learn coping skills and techniques, both ones that are relevant to their symptoms, and more general ones that will help with everyday life. A person will learn about their psychological condition, and how it is being maintained. By increasing understanding of conditions and how they are being maintained by behaviours, a person can begin to apply changes to their behaviours. CBT aims to equip a person to face their fears, or to deal with situations that they believed they were previously unable to deal with or actively tried to avoid.
Working collaboratively with your therapist you are encouraged to establish goals aiming to reduce symptoms whilst enhancing quality of life and well-being. Working towards these goals involves using therapy sessions to explore how behaviours and thoughts impact on mood.