Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Developing Healthy Thought Patterns
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
It is based on the premise that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors, and by changing negative thought patterns, individuals can make positive changes in their emotional well-being and behavior.
What it CBT
Challenge Your Maladaptive Thought Patterns
Key Principles of CBT:
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1. Cognitive Restructuring: CBT involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and learning to develop more balanced thoughts. This process is known as cognitive restructuring.
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2. Behavioural Techniques: CBT also includes behavioural techniques, where individuals work on changing maladaptive behaviours through goal-setting, problem-solving, and developing new coping skills.
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3. Collaborative Approach: CBT is a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual. The therapist helps individuals gain insight into their thought patterns and behaviours and guides them to make positive changes.
Understand Thought Processes
CBT posits that our interpretations of events, rather than the events themselves, shape our emotional reactions. Through cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to recognize and reevaluate automatic negative thoughts. This process helps replace irrational or unhelpful thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones, improving emotional well-being.
Set Goals
CBT is not just about discussing problems during therapy sessions; it actively involves individuals in their healing process. Homework assignments serve as practical exercises to reinforce and apply the skills learned in therapy to real-life situations. This principle promotes self-efficacy and empowers individuals to integrate therapeutic strategies into their daily lives.
Change Behaviour
Behavioural activation involves setting achievable goals and engaging in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment and pleasure. This process helps counteract patterns of withdrawal and avoidance that contribute to psychological distress.
Common Myths
Common misconceptions about CBT
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1. CBT is only about positive thinking.
Reality: CBT does not solely focus on positive thinking. While it does involve challenging and restructuring negative thought patterns, it also emphasises realistic thinking. The goal is to develop a balanced and accurate perspective on situations, not just promoting positive thoughts.
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2. CBT is a quick fix and works in just a few sessions.
Reality: While some individuals may experience improvement relatively quickly, CBT is not always a quick fix. The number of sessions needed varies based on the issues' nature and severity. Some concerns may require more extended treatment for lasting benefits.
3. CBT ignores the past and only focuses on the present.
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Reality: Understanding how past experiences shape current thoughts and behaviours is often a part of the therapeutic process. However, the primary focus is developing coping strategies for the present and future.
How CBT Can Help
Behavioral Activation
CBT emphasizes the role of behaviour in maintaining or exacerbating mental health issues. Behavioral activation involves setting achievable goals and engaging in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment and pleasure.
Between sessions, individuals often engage in homework assignments that involve practicing new skills or applying CBT techniques in real-life situations.
Progress and Feedback
Therapists provide feedback and support, helping individuals challenge and reframe negative thoughts and implement new coping strategies.
Regular Reviews
The number of sessions required for CBT can vary depending on the individual's specific needs and the nature of the issues being addressed. Some people may benefit from a relatively short course of CBT (e.g., 8-12 sessions) for specific issues, while others with more complex or longstanding problems may engage in longer-term therapy.
The effectiveness of CBT is well-supported by research, and it is used to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and more. If you're considering CBT, speak to a Psychologist at Ikigai Psychology Clinic who can assess your situation and provide personalized recommendations.
Learn More About Therapy
We vary in our needs, personalities, and the issues we face.
Different therapies address this diversity and provide practical approaches for each individual's unique situation.
Depending on your conditions and concerns, some therapies may be more suitable for you than others.
Get the support you need
Book an appointment online to speak to our psychologist in Melbourne (Prahran) and Brisbane (New Farm).
