cognitive behavioural therapy (cbt)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we act (behaviour), how we feel (emotion) and what is happening in our bodies (physiology) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts strongly influence our feelings and our behaviour; therefore unhelpful, negative and unrealistic thoughts can be a major source of distress.
What can CBT be used to treat?
CBT
can be effective in helping people suffering from: Depression, Anxiety,
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attacks, Phobias, Low Self-Esteem, Addictions, Trauma, Anger
Problems and Stress.
How does a CBT therapist work?
CBT
addresses the vicious circles that can arise between negative thoughts,
self-defeating behaviour, difficult emotions (such as overwhelming
anxiety) and physiological reactions (such as sweating and trembling).
The
aim of CBT is to empower the client to generate cognitive and
behavioural solutions to problematic aspects of his/her life. Various
approaches to specific problem areas are experimented with between the
individual and the therapist.
A CBT therapist uses a variety of techniques
directed at three areas: cognition, behaviour and physiology, in order
to help with emotional difficulties.
- – in cognitive work, clients learn to find alternatives to their unhelpful thinking patterns
- – in behavioural work, clients learn activity scheduling, social skills, assertiveness etc
- – in physiological work, clients are taught relaxation techniques, meditation etc
Integrating CBT into hypnotherapy
CBT work is usually done without hypnosis, often in the form of "homework" tasks for the client to complete between sessions. This is useful to back up the trance work.
Trance work is the most rapid way to access the subconscious mind, where the problem invariably is, but sometimes the client has difficulty in relaxing or concentrating, as a result of their condition. This is often the case with depressed patients, and those suffering from obsessive or compulsive disorders, who are often hyper-vigilant. In these cases, CBT is useful in the early sessions to prepare the way for conventional hypnotherapy, allowing an atmosphere of trust and a readiness for change to develop.
