COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT significantly improves functioning and quality of life. CBT sessions are structured to ensure the therapist and client work together to identify and solve problems. Therapists help clients learn how to identify distorted cognitions through various strategies, evaluate the evidence supporting them, and then replace distorted thinking with more realistic and practical thoughts and behaviours.
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Problem-Specific and Goal-Oriented: CBT targets specific problems and uses goal-oriented techniques, making it highly effective for treating specific clinical conditions.
Development of Rational Thought: It helps individuals challenge and overcome automatic negative thoughts, promoting healthier thinking and behaviour patterns.
Highly Effective for a Range of Disorders: Extensively researched, CBT is considered one of the most effective treatments for conditions like anxiety and depression.
Skills that Last a Lifetime: CBT equips individuals with practical skills to manage current and future problems, effectively reducing the risk of relapse.
Scientific Evidence Supporting CBT The effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is well-documented. A comprehensive review by the American Psychological Association has shown that CBT significantly improves functioning and quality of life in individuals suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses. The efficacy of CBT has been underpinned by its basis in cognitive theory, which suggests that mental disorders and distress are associated with distorted thoughts about oneself, others, and the world.
For example, a meta-analysis published in the "Journal of Cognitive Therapy and Research" found that CBT has a high efficacy for treating anxiety disorders, showing significant improvement in symptoms compared to other treatment modalities. Another study in the "Archives of General Psychiatry" found that CBT alone was as effective as antidepressants for the treatment of moderate to severe depression.
CBT's structured approach and the active involvement of the individual in their recovery make it an empowering form of therapy. Teaching valuable and practical strategies prepares individuals for challenges, making it a core component of the therapeutic modalities taught and practised at The Wisdom Gym.
