What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, systematic approach to deal with dysfunctional emotions, behaviours, or thought patterns. It can be considered an umbrella term for a variety of different techniques based in behaviouristic learning theory and cognitive psychology.
CBT techniques have been shown to be effective in treating many different problems including, but not limited to, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders.
How CBT works and its applications
Cognitive behavioural therapy may take place in individual or group settings and may be adapted and used in self-help applications. These techniques can range from a predominantly cognitive approach to being almost entirely behaviour oriented.
In cognitive based approaches, the goal is to identify and monitor thoughts, beliefs, behaviours, and emotions; and to identify those that are dysfunctional or unhelpful. The focus is to then replace them with more realistic and useful substitutes.
CBT was developed by merging behaviour therapy with cognitive therapy. Though there are many differences between these two therapy options, they both share the common goal of symptom removal with a focus on the present time and place.
CPT Therapist Sydney
If you’re looking for a CBT therapist in Sydney to help you work through difficult life events, Zsuzsa is a clinical psychologist offering evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy to support you through challenging times.