Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a psychotherapy which is based on changing negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours that have a self-limiting influence on an person’s life.

CBT can be used to identify the irrational beliefs, thoughts, and feelings and beliefs that often lead to debilitating negative emotions and behaviours. By identifying what is negative and unhelpful, any distorted thoughts can be consciously replaced by realistic, helpful and positive solutions.

CBT can assist with:

• depression
• anxiety and panic attacks
• stress
• fears and phobias
• anger
• and other disempowering states.

CBT teaches skills for confronting and coping with problems in a gradual and manageable way that can create lasting change.

For example, if someone is depressed, by recording their thoughts, they may be able to then look at them more realistically. This, in turn, helps them to break the downward spiral of their mood.

A new strategy for coping can help a person to alter their basic outlook and attitude, as well as their habitual way of behaving in certain scenarios.

Ultimately, CBT teaches that thoughts are just thoughts, and nothing more. A person can then feel he or she has regained control and can feel empowered about their life.