CBT North London
What happens in your first CBT session?
Much of the first CBT North London (Hypnowellness)session is devoted to 'assessment'. This is really a process of developing an understanding of your issues and your thinking patterns as well as the behaviour that might be causing distress. This is a very important part of the therapeutic process; and will set the tone for the developing relationship between therapist and client.
A fundamental principle of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is to understand that: 'the ways in which an individual behaves are determined by immediate situations and the individual's interpretations of them'. This, therefore, is the focus of assessment, with an emphasis on specific problems. Paul Levrant is an experienced therapist; and will be happy to explain in greater detail how CBT can assist with various behavioural and emotional difficulties. Sessions for CBT can be booked at his North London practice.
During the assessment session, the client should be informed that the cognitive behavioural therapy approach is collaborative, and that the therapist aims to help the client develop skills to overcome not only the current problems, but also any similar ones that may occur in the future. The therapist should emphasise the role of homework assignments in CBT, pointing out that the major part of therapy takes place in everyday life, with the client putting into practice what has been discussed in treatment sessions. The client should also be made aware that they are expected to participate actively by collecting information, giving feedback on the effectiveness of techniques, and making suggestions about new strategies. Information about the structure of CBT treatment should also be given at this stage; for example; how many treatment sessions there will be, how long each will last, and where treatment will take place.
A cognitive behavioural therapy assessment also has a general educational role and focuses the client on internal and external variables, which they may have not previously seen as relevant to the problem. The client is asked about situations, physiological states, cognitions, interpersonal factors, as well as overt behaviour, and about how each of these groups of variables relates to the problem.
The CBT assessment interview at CBT North London (Hypnowellness)has an important role in beginning the process of therapy. Clients frequently present with a wide array of difficulties. As the therapist helps to clarify and differentiate between problems, so the difficulties are frequently reduced to manageable proportions, and the client begins to believe that change is possible.
The assessment emphasises the possibility of change, by helping the client to think of what may be achieved with CBT, rather than dwelling continually on problem and its perceived intractability. It also sets reasonable limits on what might be achieved through treatment.
The cognitive behavioural therapy assessment also allows the client to see that variations in the intensity of distress are predictable in terms of internal and external events, and are not just arbitrarily imposed by fate. The CBT therapist should further offer non-judgemental empathy and concern about the client's problems and distress. Finally, an important function of the assessment is to establish whether there is anything which needs dealing with as an emergency.
Further information:
What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
What happens in later CBT sessions?
Examining and Challenging Negative Automatic Thoughts
In summary, the main goal of the cognitive behavioural therapy assessment is to agree to a formulation and treatment plan with the client. In addition, it allows the therapist to educate the client about the treatment approach, and to begin the process of change. It also allows emergency factors to be assessed. 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 in North London at the:
Highgate Health Centre
31a Highgate High Street,
London N6 5JT.
Centre Tel: 020 8348 5553
Paul Levrant Direct Tel: 0844 736 1438
Nearby locations for CBT North London include the following:
Hampstead Muswell Hill East Finchley Archway Holloway Hampstead Hampstead Heath Chalk Farm Kentish Town Hornsey Hampstead Garden Suburb Highbury Islington Finsbury Park Belsize Park Alexandra Palace North Finchley Whetstone Tally Ho Barnet West Hampstead Brent Cross Regents Park St Johns Wood Friern Barnet Arnos Grove Southgate Enfield
