Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, usually known as CBT, is a leading method for addressing mental illness within the counselling and therapy sector. In short, CBT aims to adjust the way we think and feel through talking-based therapy. The method has gained huge amount of traction over the last decade and is considered to be especially vital in aiding those with mental illness. Here is a quick look at why CBT is considered the right treatment for so many patients.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the coming together of Cognitive Therapy, which relates to the way you think, process and feel, with Behavioural Therapy, which relates to the way you act and behave. CBT is a strand of psychotherapy, one of the family group of ‘talking therapies’. In itself, CBT takes the form of many specialised therapies such as CBT for depression and CBT for anxiety.

CBT normally takes the form of an individual session or group session with a client and therapist. CBT treatments can take place over a short period of a few weeks or a longer period if necessary.

CBT aims to break the pattern of negative thoughts and feelings, changing how we address certain experiences and places. For example, one negative experience at work can lead to increased anxiety about the workplace. This in itself can lead to depression and other problems. CBT will aim to address the negative feelings and replace them with positive ones. During CBT, the therapist and client talk through the problem, identifying negative thoughts and actions and challenging them, enabling the client to adjust how they think and feel about certain situations.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Mental Illness

CBT is considered to be one of the best approaches for mental illness, which can range from anything from mild anxiety to bipolar. A number of studies have shown that CBT can be as effective for a number of mental illnesses as medication. At the core of CBT’s success in these areas is the acknowledgement that it doesn’t take the problem away; it accepts it and addresses and challenges it. This process empowers the patient more than a traditional therapy or medicinal approach that merely seeks to ‘remove’ rather than address the problem.

CBT Therapy London

CBT is a common method of therapy that can be found at a number of therapist practices all over the UK. For professional CBT therapy London is a popular place to seek out a therapist. You can search for a therapist through the BACP ‘Find a Therapist’ tool, which uses your location and your specific needs to find the best therapist for you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy requires a commitment from both the client and the therapist, working together for a positive outcome. Its success in helping people with mental illness has been well documented, especially over the past decade, as more and more therapy practices offer this type of therapy. The benefits include a non-medicinal approach as well as the potential for a relatively fast result.