Which Psychological Problems Does CBT Therapy Treat?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the most effective treatments for a range of emotional and psychological problems. Favouring cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) over counselling is not a new thing. They’re both forms of talking therapy, so how do you know if CBT is right for you?
CBT encompasses a range of talking therapies based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, what we do, and how our bodies feel are all connected. If we can alter one, we can then change all the others. When we are feeling low or upset, we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding, which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better. This proves that CBT can be helpful for a range of problems, and it’s not just effective if you have a mental health disorder.
Did you know our brains are wired towards negative thinking?
It is known as negativity bias. It’s easier for us to be pessimistic than optimistic, and that’s because our brains are simply built with a greater sensitivity towards unpleasant news, events etc. That goes back to the old survival mode days when the human brain needed to prepare for more danger.
But this is now, and often there is no real threat, so we shouldn’t just accept these negative thinking patterns and outlooks on life if they no longer serve us.
CBT is a common treatment for many psychological problems and experiences, including:
- anger problems
- anxiety and panic attacks
- bipolar disorder
- depression
- drug or alcohol problems
- eating problems
- hoarding
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Accepting that you, a loved one or your employees may need professional help is not easy.
Often, many people struggle for years without seeking the coping strategies they need to live a full life.
For some, what they’re dealing with is too raw to talk about; in that case, CBT may be a better option a bit further down the line. Everyone is different, everyone has some problem they are carrying around with them, however mild or extreme, and some are just not accepting of therapy.
You have to want to get better.
CBT is most effective if you want to talk through what’s bothering you and work through the connections in your body and mind. You also have to adopt a realistic recovery journey and take each day at a time.
For some, this is too much too soon, and we fully respect that. But for many, it’s a straightforward (but not easy) method of developing a more helpful response to your thoughts to the stage where they don’t affect your everyday life.
CBT is a talking therapy, so the therapist you are talking to is highly trained and BABCP-accredited to help you deal with your negative feelings. However, usually, the most impactful element of the therapy happens between your sessions. This is what makes CBT so effective over the long term.
Like many therapies, CBT is continuously evolving by what is called “empirical evidence” or “evidence-based practice”, and this form of psychotherapy continually synchronises with the latest recommendations from the research suggesting what works best.
Over the years, our London and UK-based CBT therapists have successfully treated thousands of clients with psychological problems with our private CBT services; many of whom have felt exactly as you do today. You are not alone and can support your employee’s mental health to ensure they never feel alone.
