March 28, 2014 by Vision
In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) the common assumption is that thoughts influence and affect a person’s feelings and behaviours and therefore have the power to influence;
- a person’s quality of life and their ability to cope with issues; or
- a situation they are currently having troubles with.
Based on this assumption CBT aims to identify and change unhealthy, unhelpful and irrational thoughts into healthy, helpful and rational ones in order to change a person’s feelings and behaviours.
This will ultimately enable the person to cope with the issue or troubling situation much more efficiently than before.
CBT Techniques
CBT is a very structured approach that is directive, short termed and goal oriented.
It is an active therapy, sometimes described as a ‘doing therapy’ rather than a talking therapy. It is a therapy where clients will work out and set goals with their therapist and are also required to carry out tasks between sessions.
CBT elements will often be applied by counsellors and psychologists alongside other approaches and techniques.
However there are counsellors and therapists that have been specifically trained in using this approach only and will be accredited by the ‘Australian Association For Cognitive And Behaviour Therapy’.
CBT for Anxiety
When used in the treatment for anxiety and anxiety related disorders, CBT helps a person develop a more adaptive response to a fear.
The individual works with the therapist to look at the thought and behaviour patterns that are predisposing them to anxiety or keeping them from improving once they become anxious.
CBT therapists encourage the person to recognize the difference between productive and unproductive worries.
Once these patterns are recognized, the individual can consciously decide to change and replace those patterns with new ones that reduce anxiety.
They can also learn how to let go of worries, and develop effective coping techniques, such as relaxation and breathing exercises, that help them cope when faced their anxiety.
CBT for Depression
Many studies have shown that CBT is particularly effective in the treatment for depression, especially minor or moderate depression.
CBT recognizes that depression is caused by the individual holding negative thoughts in every aspect of their interactions with the world and others.
An individual may not recognize that their thought patterns may be unrealistic and will operate on the basis that these thoughts are correct, so they see everything through a filter of negativity.
CBT helps individuals with depression recognise and restructure these negative thought patterns, and interpret their environment and interactions with others more realistically.
A CBT therapist encourages the individual to use logic and intelligence to analyse what their emotions are telling them, to assess the “evidence” for what the emotions are telling them, and to put forward an opposing argument.
CBT also helps individuals recognise factors that may be triggering or contributing to their depression, and helps them change them and develop strategies to manage them.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy MBCT
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was created based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program.
It combines CBT with meditative practices and attitudes that cultivate mindfulness.
MBCT focuses on understanding the patterns of the mind often associated with mood disorders, and learning to develop a new relationship with them.
MBCT is effecting in helping individuals recognize when they are drifting into a negative thought pattern, so that they can halt a downward mood spiral by ‘nipping it in the bud’ early.
It gives individuals the courage to allow distressing moods, thoughts and sensations to come and go, without battling with them, bringing about a sense of warmth and compassion to the suffering they are experiencing.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Vision Counselling and Psychology Perth
Vision’s psychologists are experienced in using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in the treatment of a variety of mental health issues, including
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- phobias
- mood disorders
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are seeking CBT in Perth, contact us today to find a psychologist or for further information on how our Perth Psychologists can help you.
Article Title: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)Article By: Vision Counselling and Psychology, Perth Western AustraliaWeb Address: www.visioncounselling.com.auPublished: 09/04/2014Image Reference: Dollar Photo Club “Your Guide to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy”, (MBCT), Available: https://mbct.com/ (Accessed: 2015, May 14) “How Does Mindfulness Help Reduce Downward Mood Spirals?”, (MBCT), Available: https://mbct.com/about/how-does-mindfulness-help-reduce-downward-mood-spirals/ (Accessed: 2015, May 14) “Psychotherapies”, (National Institute of Mental Health), Available: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml (Accessed: 2015, May 14) “Psychological Treatments for Anxiety”, (Beyond Blue), Available: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/psychological-treatments-for-anxiety (Accessed: 2015, May 14) “Depression”, David Horgan, Available: https://depression.com.au/counselling/cbt-cognitive-behaviour-therapy/ (Accessed: 2015, May 14)
FILED UNDER: PSYCHOLOGYTAGGED WITH: ANXIETY, BEHAVIOURAL ADDICTION, CBT COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY, DEPRESSION, MBCT MINDFULNESS BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY, MENTAL HEALTH, OCD OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER, PHOBIA, PSYCHOLOGIST, PTSD POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, TOOLS, TREATMENT
