Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

WHAT IS CBT?

CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing your thoughts and behaviour.
It's most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression but can be helpful in other mental and physical health problems.

HOW DOES CBT WORK?

CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a negative cycle.
CBT aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems more positively by breaking them down into smaller parts.
You will learn how to change these negative patterns to improve how you feel.
Unlike other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems rather than focusing on issues from your past. Instead, it looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.

WHAT IS CBT USEFUL FOR?

CBT is an effective way of treating many different mental health conditions.
In addition to depression or anxiety disorders, CBT can also help people with:

• bipolar disorder

• borderline personality disorder

• eating disorders – such as anorexia and bulimia

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• panic disorder

• phobias

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• psychosis

• schizophrenia

• sleep problems – such as insomnia

• problems related to alcohol misuse

CBT is also sometimes used to treat people with long-term health conditions, such as:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

• fibromyalgia

• chronic pain

Although CBT cannot cure the physical symptoms of these conditions, it can help people cope better with their symptoms.