Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
What is CBT?
There are as many definitions of CBT as there are therapists, but it is primarily thought of as a therapy that involves the client in first understanding - and then changing - patterns of thought and behaviour that are unwanted and disturbing. These thought patterns might involve 'catastrophising' when even small issues can become big problems; or 'mind-reading' where we assume others are thinking negatively about us.
CBT works by focusing on the emotional and behavioural difficulties that are in your life now - that is, in the present. Even though it is widely understood that past experiences contribute to current problems, CBT does not tend to look backwards in time to these sources.
During the sessions, the client is taught to examine his or her feelings; and learns to differentiate between 'realistic' and 'unrealistic' thoughts. There are a variety of exercises that the client is asked to perform throughout the therapy - mainly as 'homework' - which gradually instil new thought process and behavioural changes. It is this active involvement by the client that will allow these changes to take place. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy teaches that when a person changes thinking and behaviour, emotional changes usually follow. The client is actively involved in his or her own recovery, and will find that they come to acquire a greater sense of control over the unhelpful thought patterns that previously seem to lead to feelings of low mood, anxiety, and ultimately depression.
Much of the homework is based around reading certain passages, and then practising these new approaches regularly. The client will be expected to perform these tasks on a daily basis, and I will often recommend further reading too. This greatly aids the understanding of the client's own thought processes, and leads to an awareness of how our own 'inner voice' can be used to boost self-esteem and confidence rather than criticise and belittle.
For more information on CBT sessions in North London, please contact me by clicking the button below. Initial consultations are without any charge or obligation to proceed and I will be pleased to a arrange this for you.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions are available in my North London practice in Highgate; and also at my Hertfordshire practice in Radlett. I also run CBT sessions in the City of London.
