Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck
Cognitive Therapy (CT), or Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), was pioneered by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, while he was a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania. Having studied and practiced psychoanalysis, Dr. Beck designed and carried out several experiments to test psychoanalytic concepts of depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness.
Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
The Cognitive Model
What will I learn in CBT
CBT involves learning how to change your thoughts (also called cognitions) and your
actions (or behaviours), which is why it is called cognitive-behavioural therapy. Why
is this important? Because in any given situation, you will have thoughts and feelings
about it, and behave in a certain way. These thoughts, feelings, and actions all interact and influence each other.
Who can benefit from CBT therapy?
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
- Chronic Illness and medical issues
- Depression and bipolar disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Pain
- Performance anxiety
- Personality disorders
- PTSD and other trauma and stress-related issues
- Sexual assault
- Sleep disturbance
- and more...
Experienced Practitioners
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Counselling
CBT is a powerful tool that helps people understand the way they experience life, which in turn allows them to make changes if needed. It does this by dividing our experience into three central components: thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Research shows that CBT is the most effective form of treatment for those coping with depression and anxiety. CBT alone is 50-75% effective for overcoming depression and anxiety after 5 – 15 modules.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Schema therapy
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Metacognitive therapy (MCT)
Resources
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
https://beckinstitute.org/cognitive-model/
https://anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/What_is_CBT.pdf