Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy, based on the idea that what you think about yourself, others and the life in general and how your respond, affects your feelings and thoughts. Your thoughts, feelings and behaviour all interact and influence one another.
HOW CAN CBT HELP ME?
CBT can help you to solve problems and overcome obstacles in life. We look at how you think about situations (cognitive) and how you respond (behaviour) and help you develop skills to solve difficulties you're having. It gives you tools to manage your life better now and in the future.
CBT doesn't require you to step into the past and resolve those issues before you progress. You are able to change your present and future with around 6- 12 sessions.
CBT IN PRACTICE
Let's use an example. You're suffering from depression and are having difficulties getting out of bed in the morning. If you tell yourself that this is going to be a dreadful day and respond by staying in bed or watching television that is negative and uninspiring, you will likely reinforce more negative thoughts. You may beat yourself up about the fact that you're "lazy" because you didn't go outside, for example. This is a negative spiral and without awareness of the situation, it can perpetuate.
These negative thoughts (e.g. "I'm lazy") may have developed in childhood and situations throughout your life will have reinforced your beliefs in these negative thoughts. However, CBT doesn't explore the past. Instead, it breaks this vicious cycle and allows you to become aware of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. When you're aware, you can then learn to challenge these thoughts and incorporate more positive ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. These new skills can be applied to all areas of your life, helping you reduce stress and increase self-confidence. Clients find as they become more at ease with themselves, they feel free to pursue their ambitions.
Are you stuck in a negative cycle and looking to develop more positive ways of thinking, feeling and behaving? Click the button below to get in touch.
