The first step is the assessment. As well as finding out about the problem and discussing how CBT can help, it’s an opportunity for the therapist and individual to get to know one another and to start to build trust. The therapist will also ask about the past, as understanding the past can help us to understand the present. Whilst CBT mainly focuses on changing current thoughts and behaviour it can also address previous experiences if they relate to the current challenges. The more the therapist understands about the problem and triggers the more they are able to devise a treatment plan.

Individuals will then get a personalised treatment plan that shows the key factors that maintain the problem and informs treatment. The individual and therapist will work as a team. They will set goals, work towards them and keep the momentum going. CBT requires active participation. It requires individuals to be open to trying out new things and to practice new ways of doing things outside sessions. Practice between sessions is important for CBT to work. You will apply what you have learned to real life situations.

In CBT progress is tracked. There are regular reviews to identify what’s going well and what parts need to be worked on, this helps to keep focused and reach the individual’s goals.

Is CBT positive thinking?

CBT Therapy helps individuals to understand what they think, how they feel and how they behave. The therapist will help you to identify and challenge negative thinking and behaviour and learn new ways to cope with situations. There are a variety of techniques used in CBT. What techniques are used in CBT?

CBT therapy helps individuals to question the validity of a thought and to consider other ways of looking at it. CBT therapy helps individuals replace negative automatic thoughts with more balanced thinking. It can be easier to talk to someone you don’t know as it can help look at problems in a new way.

In some situations the thoughts may be accurate, for example, “I’m in so much pain it hurts”. In this type of situation therapy may be about managing thoughts and reducing the impact on well being.

Other ways of approaching situations you may find difficult include changing what you do, for example, doing activities you’ve been avoiding.

What happens when I start to feel better?

CBT therapy is about helping individuals to get skills and to carry on and do it by themselves. As progress is made and individuals start to feel better sessions may be spaced out so you can practice the skills more independently. At the end of treatment it is important to keep the skills you have learned and the therapist will help you plan how to do this.

Kate and Alex practice High Intensity CBT, providing evidence-based interventions. There is no waiting list, meaning individuals can get the High Intensity CBT help they need immediately. If you would like information on how they can support, click the link below.