C.B.T. can be used in the treatment of many mental health problems such as; depression, anxiety, personality, anorexia, bulimia, addictions, post traumatic stress, and psychotic disorders
How does a person access this therapy?
Usually the person will be referred by their treating psychiatrist, psychologist or key worker.
What is involved?
In C.B.T. the person and therapist explores the way that the person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours are connected and how they affect one another. This allows the person (with assistance, support and guidance from their therapist) to intervene at different points in this cycle and change thought patterns and behaviours which have been problematic for the person.
- The person and therapist develop goals together and track progress towards these goals throughout the course of treatment.
- The person and therapist work together – the therapist has the technical expertise, but the person is the expert on him or herself.
- The therapist aims to help the person discover that he or she is capable of changing specific negative thoughts and behaviours.
- Homework is often included. The skills learned in therapy need practice and real life experience.
- C.B.T focuses on present day problems.
How long does it last?
C.B.T. is usually a short term treatment (usually between 6 and 20 treatment sessions)
Is there a waiting time/ How often is this available?
Yes, there is quite limited availability and it is a labour intensive treatment.
