What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy that helps people understand and change their thoughts and actions. It is a hands-on process where therapists teach and support positive habits to improve mental health.
CBT helps people notice their thoughts, especially negative or unhelpful ones, and the feelings connected to those thoughts. By seeing these connections, people can learn to change thoughts and behaviours that cause stress or problems.
In regular sessions, CBT gives people useful tools and ways to handle stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental and physical health challenges. The therapy works as a team effort between the therapist and the person receiving therapy, encouraging them to take charge of their own healing and growth.
How did CBT develop?
During the 1960s, Dr. Aaron Beck, a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, noticed a common pattern among his patients struggling with depression. They often perceived the world through a consistently negative lens, which perpetuated cycles of negative thoughts and emotional distress.
Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Albert Ellis in rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT), Beck embarked on transformative research that eventually gave rise to cognitive therapy. This innovative method focused on recognising and altering negative thought patterns to enhance emotional health and behaviour.
Originally named "cognitive therapy" due to its focus on mental processes, the approach later evolved into cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). By combining cognitive techniques with actionable behavioural strategies, CBT emerged as a highly effective tool for fostering meaningful and lasting change.
In 1994, Dr. Judith S. Beck co-founded the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy with her father, Dr. Aaron Beck. Today, she leads the field with ground-breaking, evidence-based CBT research and practice. Dr. Judith Beck is also a sought-after author and educator. Through her work, she has trained thousands of therapists, ensuring CBT principles are effective across diverse settings. Click the link above for further information.
How CBT works
- Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: CBT helps you recognise how distorted thinking impacts your emotions, bodily sensations and behaviours.
- Reframing Negative Thoughts: Learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts and core beliefs and replace them with balanced, constructive perspectives.
- Fostering Positive Actions: Engage in activities that reduce anxiety, boost your mood, increase motivation, enhance well-being, and alleviate symptoms.
- Personalised, Goal-Focused Therapy: Benefit from a structured, collaborative approach designed to meet your unique needs and track progress.
- Strengthening Resilience: Build effective coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills to handle stress and reduce the risk of relapse.
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