about cbt

About CBT

Areas Can Help

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a well known and increasingly popular form of psychotherapy. CBT has been tested in many studies and found to be helpful in a wide variety of difficulties including depression, panic disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. CBT has been shown to help keep people well after they recover initially.

Areas Can Help

Depression • Stress
Anxiety Disorders • Eating Disorders

Body Image • Anger Management

Alcohol Addiction • Drug Addiction

Chronic Pain • Health Anxiety

Motivation and Procrastination

Sexual- and gender-identity related issues

Grief • Bereavement

What can I expect from CBT?

The underlying assumption of CBT is that problems with anxiety, depression and other related problems are maintained by a person's beliefs and behaviours. For example, depression is believed to be maintained by negative thinking about oneself, one's experiences and the future. Anxiety is often maintained by negative interpretations and predictions about possible dangers and avoiding situations that are, in reality, safe.

Cognitive Strategies

CBT includes strategies to help an individual change his or her negative beliefs, predictions, thoughts and interpretations.

Behavioural Strategies

CBT includes strategies to change behaviours that help to maintain a problem. These may include structured exposure to feared situations, relaxation training, communication training (e.g. learning to be assertive) and a range of other techniques.

Importance of Homework

In CBT, much of the work happens outside of the treatment sessions. To benefit from treatment, individuals are expected to practice the techniques learned in difficult situations that arise during the week.