COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY?

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talk therapy or psychotherapy that is used to treat a variety of conditions with the objective of changing the way you think or associate thoughts and feelings towards a particular subject.

CBT is based on behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies that challenge negative thoughts around thinking patterns that contribute to the way things are seen, felt or experienced. By participating in guided sessions, individuals can learn to analyse and question their usual thought patterns and behaviours, replacing them with more beneficial and constructive alternatives.

This approach helps them address their immediate concerns and equips them with a valuable skill set to manage life’s challenges in a balanced and health-conscious way.

HOW DOES CBT WORK?

CBT works on the concept that there’s an interconnection between thoughts, actions, feelings and physical sensations that entrap an individual to develop a negative association with them. CBT is used to break the cycle by using a combination of talking therapies and behavioural therapies that focus on changing the ways you perceive the problem.

CBT works by concentrating on the immediate issues at hand rather than focusing on past problems, focusing on techniques that improve the state of mind and the relationship with the case of the patient.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN CBT TREAT?

CBT can help with numerous conditions through various therapy sessions. CBT can be effective in helping you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave – since a lot of mental health and addiction issues are cognitive or psychological, CBT helps by addressing negative thoughts and feelings, benefiting mental and emotional health and well-being.

Here are some of the most common uses for CBT that have proven effective.

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Talking therapies have proven beneficial for an array of mental health disorders throughout the years, including depression and anxiety. CBT can help people improve ways of coping with their mental health and change unhelpful thoughts that are contributing to their state of mind. PROMIS various mental health issues, here are some of the most common that can benefit from CBT:

• Depression
• Clinical Depression
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma 
• Psychosis

EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders can come in many different forms and affect people in various ways. However, we at PROMIS Clinic offer various modalities that focus on treating the patient’s mental and physical health, with CBT being one of them. CBT aims to help you identify the issue relating to food and how to overcome and improve the relationship with it. Here are some of the types of food or eating disorders we treat using CBT at PROMIS Rehab:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Food Addiction
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION

At PROMIS, CBT is also used for cases of drug or alcohol addiction. CBT focuses on repairing the relationship between the way substances are viewed. CBT techniques can help individuals explore and identify their opposing beliefs and the triggers that lead to substance abuse. This process involves replacing negative thought patterns with healthier, more constructive ones. Cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and mindfulness practices are some of the CBT techniques used to achieve these goals.

Here’s a list of substances treated at PROMIS Rehab:

• Alcohol Addiction
• Cannabis Addiction
• Cocaine Addiction
• Heroin Addiction
• Amphetamine Addiction
• Crack Addiction
• Ketamine Addiction

Our drug addiction page offers a more detailed view of how these addictions are treated.

PROCESS ADDICTIONS

Process addictions are another form of addiction that CBT can also help with. Process addictions form part of mental health-related issues and require various forms of therapy to address those issues. A qualified therapist can help identify the cause of the process of addiction and provide techniques to learn better ways of coping. Some of the process addictions we deal with at PROMIS are:

• Sex Addiction or Porn Addiction
• Gambling Addiction
• Shopping Addiction
• Internet Addiction
• Gaming Addiction

WHAT HAPPENS DURING CBT SESSIONS?

During Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions, a structured approach is taken to help individuals understand and change their thought patterns and behaviours. Here’s what typically happens in these sessions:

1. Assessment and Understanding: Initially, the therapist will spend time understanding the individual’s specific issues, concerns, and goals for therapy. This includes exploring the person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to identify patterns that may be contributing to their challenges.
2. Setting Goals: Together with the therapist, the individual will set clear, achievable goals for what they want to accomplish through therapy. These goals are often specific, measurable, and time-bound.
3. Identifying Negative Thoughts: A significant part of CBT involves identifying negative or unhelpful thought patterns. These might include beliefs about oneself, others, or the world that are distorted or unrealistic and contribute to problematic behaviours or emotional distress.
4. Challenging and Reframing Thoughts: The therapist guides the individual in challenging these negative thoughts. This involves questioning the evidence for these thoughts, considering alternative perspectives, and reframing thoughts in a more balanced and realistic way.
5. Behavioural Experiments: CBT often includes behavioural experiments, where individuals are encouraged to try new ways of behaving that are more in line with their rational and balanced thoughts. This might involve facing fears, trying out new activities, or practising different responses to challenging situations.
6. Skill Development: Skills training is an important part of CBT. This can include learning stress management techniques, problem-solving skills, assertiveness training, or relaxation techniques.
7. Homework Assignments: CBT is an active therapy, and individuals are often given homework assignments to complete between sessions. This might involve keeping diaries, practising skills learnt in therapy, or testing out new behaviours.
8. Progress Review: Regularly, progress towards the therapy goals is reviewed. This helps to ensure that the therapy is on track and allows for adjustments in the approach if necessary.
9. Empowerment and Self-Help: A key goal of CBT is to equip individuals with the skills and strategies to manage their issues independently. This empowers them to become their own therapist over time, reducing reliance on the therapist.
10. Closure: As therapy progresses, sessions may become less frequent before concluding. This phase focuses on reviewing the skills learnt, planning for the future, and discussing strategies for maintaining progress and preventing relapse.

CBT sessions are collaborative, with the therapist and individual working together as a team. The atmosphere is usually one of openness and support, with the CBT therapist providing guidance but also encouraging the individual to take an active role in their treatment.

PROS AND CONS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, although a widely used and researched form of therapy, is known for its effectiveness in treating a variety of mental health conditions. However, like any therapeutic approach, it has its pros and cons. Here at PROMIS, we evaluate all of our patients through a detailed assessment with our psychologists to determine the best course of treatment for them.

Pros of CBT

• Evidence-Based: CBT is supported by extensive research and is considered one of the most effective forms of therapy, particularly for conditions like anxiety, depression, and certain eating disorders.
• Structured and Time-Limited: CBT is typically more structured and focused than other forms of therapy. It often requires fewer sessions than some other therapeutic approaches, making it a cost-effective option for many.
• Skills Development: CBT equips individuals with practical coping and problem-solving skills that they can use in everyday life, not just during therapy sessions.
• Focus on the Present: While CBT acknowledges past experiences, it focuses mainly on current thoughts and behaviours, making it particularly useful for individuals looking for immediate ways to manage their symptoms.
• Empowering: CBT encourages individuals to take an active role in their therapy, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.
• Versatility: It can be adapted for a wide range of mental health issues and can be delivered in various formats, including individual sessions, group therapy, and even online platforms.

Cons of CBT

• Requires Active Participation: CBT demands significant effort and participation from the individual, including homework assignments. This may be challenging for some, particularly those lacking motivation or facing severe symptoms.
• Emotional Discomfort: Initially, CBT can be emotionally uncomfortable, as it requires individuals to confront and challenge deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours.
• Not Suitable for All: CBT may not be effective for everyone. People with complex mental health conditions, like severe personality disorders, might require more intensive or different forms of therapy.
• Skill and Experience of the Therapist: The success of CBT heavily depends on the skill and experience of the therapist. A mismatch between the therapist’s style and the individual’s needs can impact the therapy’s effectiveness.
• Overemphasis on Cognition: Some critics argue that CBT may overemphasise cognitive aspects at the expense of emotions and underlying psychological issues.
• Limited Scope in Exploring Past Trauma: CBT typically focuses on current problems and practical solutions. It might not delve deeply into past experiences or trauma, which can be essential for some individuals’ healing processes.

In summary, CBT is a highly effective and versatile form of therapy with numerous benefits, particularly its structured approach and focus on skill-building. However, its suitability varies depending on individual needs, and it requires active participation and engagement, which may not be feasible for everyone.

GET HELP AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WITH PROMIS

Our health professionals at PROMIS offer CBT and talking therapies that can help with the majority of mental health and addiction issues. Our private therapy ensures the utmost professionalism, health and care excellence in the UK.

Our accredited CBT specialists are experienced in treating various conditions and have a proven track record that has helped thousands of patients over the years. If you think you could benefit form CBT, contact PROMIS today to find out more about our therapy services.