What does CBT treat?

CBT is used to treat a number of psychological disorders such as; generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

Using CBT to treat anxiety

Everyone has moments of anxiety. In difficult conditions, anxiety can improve your performance and act as a protective mechanism. For example, the wave of anxiety that commonly accompanies an exam or test can improve your performance.

However, other people experience anxiety on a broader scale. This means that no matter what you’re doing, you’re constantly on edge or afraid. This can interfere with your everyday life and be extremely disruptive.

In the event that your anxiety starts to get in the way of your daily activities, it’s helpful to develop strategies for coping. Here’s where CBT comes in useful. It focuses on modifying the thought and belief patterns that are linked to and generate anxiety.

Using CBT to treat depression

Depression patients may experience persistently unpleasant thoughts about other people, themselves, and their surroundings. This negative thought pattern can become automatic, making it difficult for you to recognise when you are passing judgement on yourself excessively or unreasonably.

People with depression can benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as it provides tools for tackling negative beliefs and replace them with healthier and constructive thought patterns.

Stages of treatment

Assessment and formulation: this could involve completing questionnaires to help us identify problematic symptoms and define the particular issue. Periodically, you will be asked to fill out questionnaires so that both you and your therapist can monitor your progress and pinpoint issues or symptoms that require further care.

Psychoeducation: To assist you learn more about your specific issue. A solid understanding of your specific psychological problem will assist you in eliminating excessive anxiety, reducing fear and other negative feelings.

Setting goals: With the support of your therapist, you will develop an overview of the things you hope to accomplish during therapy (e.g., you might want to get over your social anxiety). Together with your therapist, you devise effective strategies to assist in achieving these objectives.

Exposure and Experiments: Exposure involves collaborating with the therapist to apply your newly learned strategies. This can take the form of home tasks, practice in sessions and work in the community.

Home Tasks: You’ll need to actively engage in your own therapy. You are encouraged to apply the practical skills you have learned in your daily life and evaluate/problem solve with your therapist.