What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a relatively short-term, focused approach to the treatment of many types of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric problems. It is a collaborative and individualised program that helps individuals to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and learn or relearn healthier skills and habits. In very broad terms, CBT can assist you to recognise and cope with emotions that might be creating problems for you. It helps you identify the situations that trigger or increase your symptoms.
CBT has been practised widely for more than 30 years and has been researched extensively. It has been repeatedly shown to be effective with a wide variety of emotional, psychological and psychiatric difficulties.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most established and researched psychological therapies for emotional, psychological and psychiatric difficulties. For many problems such as anxiety and depression, CBT is as effective as medication and can also enhance the effects of medication.
Studies have shown that CBT can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for up to 80% of people. Studies of medication have shown around the same effectiveness.
The Benefits of CBT
- CBT has been extensively investigated in rigorous clinical trials and has empirical support
- CBT is structured, goal oriented, and focuses on immediate difficulties as well as long term strategies and requires active involvement by the client
- CBT is flexible, individualised, and can be adapted to a wide range of individuals and a variety of settings
What to Expect
CBT examines all elements that maintain a problem, including our thoughts (cognitions), feelings, behaviour and the environment. It is a very structured therapy. You are fully involved in planning your treatment and the therapist will always let you know what is happening. CBT is a partnership. Usually you will have a thorough assessment in the first session or two. Each session will involve discussion, explanation and practice of skills and techniques. You will be required to practice those techniques in between sessions (’homework’).
If you are looking for a practical method to resolve a specific problem and you are willing to be actively involved in your treatment, then CBT may be for you.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is currently evidence-based treatment for a wide range of disorders including:
- Depression
- Anxiety (Generalised Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Phobias
- Eating Disorders
- Somatic Disorders
- Child Anxiety, Depression and Behavioural problems
- Brain injury
- Marital problems
- Anger and stress management
CBT is particularly useful in treating the problems listed above where you request a practical method of treatment for a specific problem rather than “wanting to understand yourself better”; are able to consider psychological causes of problems; and are able to be actively involved in the therapy process and will practice skills between sessions.
Length of Treatment
CBT is relatively short term. A typical program could last anywhere between 5 and 20 weeks depending on the problem, the client and the therapist.
Finding a CBT Therapist
A competent cognitive behaviour therapist will have had substantial training and experience in the area. The Australian Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is the national association for practitioners of CBT.
The Queensland Branch has a list of members in private practice who are experienced in CBT and can assist with referrals. You may also check with your local GP.