CBT - A Therapy of the Here and Now
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is known for being a present-centred, problem-focused, and collaborative form of therapy. While therapists do not discount the developmental issues surrounding the client's problem (e.g., childhood experiences), their goal is to assist the client in identifying and changing that which is presently maintaining the problem. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy theory reasons that our emotions and behaviours are simply the product of our cognitions, or thoughts, concerning our beliefs about ourselves, the world, and other people. These cognitions directly affect how we interpret and assess what happens to us, how we feel about these events, and how we should respond to them. Paul Levrant is an experienced therapist; and will be happy to explain in greater detail how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can assist with various behavioural difficulties. Sessions for CBT are available in his Highgate Practice.
The cognitive behavioural 'model' proposes that distorted or dysfunctional thinking (which influences one's mood and behaviour) is common to all psychological disturbances. Realistic evaluation and modification of thinking produces an improvement in mood and behaviour, and lasting improvement results from modification of the one's underlying dysfunctional beliefs.
According to one of the originators of CBT, Aaron T. Beck; in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the therapist begins by identifying the client's current thinking patterns that are playing a role in the maintenance of problematic emotions and behaviours. The treatment of most clients involves a strong focus on current problems and specific situations that are distressing to the client. Resolution and/or a more accurate evaluation of these situations usually lead to symptom reduction. If you would like further information, or to have a consultation without charge or obligation; please contact Paul Levrant who will be happy to explain in greater detail how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be able to assist with various behavioural and emotional difficulties. Sessions for CBT are available in his practice in Highgate.
The therapist, therefore, is usually inclined to begin therapy with an analysis of 'here and now' (i.e. current) problems. Focus might shift to the past only under certain circumstances: e.g. when the client expresses a strong desire to do so; when work geared toward current problems produces little or no cognitive, behavioural, and emotional change; or when the therapist feels that it is important to understand how and when significant dysfunctional ideas originated in order to better understand how these ideas affect the client today. Paul Levrant is an experienced therapist; and will be happy to explain in greater detail how CBT can assist with various behavioural difficulties. Sessions for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are available in his Highgate practice and an initial consultation can be booked without charge or obligation.
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