What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical sensations interact (Beck, 2020). It uses cognitive and behavioural techniques to help people identify unhelpful patterns and develop more balanced ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges.
CBT is one of the most widely researched psychological therapies and has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health difficulties, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and some eating disorders. As a result, it is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and is widely offered within the National Health Service (NHS). For more information, visit NICE.
How does it work?
The approach recognises how our early experiences, relationships, and temperaments can inform beliefs we have about ourselves, the world, and others. It is these beliefs that influence our interpretation of situations, and therefore the thoughts that come to mind (Westbrook, Kennerley & Kirk, 2011).
Importantly, CBT does not assume that a person's thoughts or behaviours are irrational. Rather, it recognises that our beliefs often develop from past experiences and that our behaviours frequently serve an important purpose. However, patterns that were once helpful can sometimes become unhelpful or limiting as our circumstances change.
Why Do People React Differently to the Same Situation?
Have you ever noticed yourself reacting very differently to a situation than someone else? Often, this is because our experiences and beliefs shape how we interpret what is happening around us.
One of the best examples comes from the Boggart in Harry Potter. When different people encounter a Boggart, it transforms into whatever they fear most. The situation is the same, but each person's past experiences, beliefs, and fears shape what they see. In many ways, CBT recognises that we also interpret everyday situations through our own unique lens, which influences how we feel and respond.
CBT suggests that while situations can be genuinely challenging, it is often the meaning we attach to them that influences how we feel and respond. Two people can experience the same situation yet walk away with very different thoughts, emotions, and reactions, based on the beliefs and experiences they bring with them.
When our interpretations begin to hold us back
It's completely normal for people to have different opinions and perspectives about the world. However, there are times when these perspectives can begin to have a significant impact on our lives.
Sometimes we can manage with certain beliefs, fears, or assumptions for many years without them causing major difficulties. However, changes in our circumstances can bring these beliefs into sharper focus. A fear that once seemed manageable may begin to affect relationships, work, parenting, or personal goals.
For example, someone who has always avoided social situations may have managed well enough in the past. However, if they start a new job, begin dating, or want to develop new friendships, those same fears may suddenly become a barrier to living the life they want.
When our thoughts and beliefs start preventing us from living the life we want to live, it may be worth exploring them in therapy. CBT can help us identify unhelpful thinking patterns, understand how they developed, and learn new ways of responding that support the life we want to lead.
CBT Therapy in Taunton and Online
If you feel that unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving are preventing you from living the life you want, CBT may be able to help. Therapy offers a space to better understand these patterns and develop new ways of responding to life's challenges.
I offer local CBT sessions in Taunton, as well as online CBT sessions across the UK, for clients experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, menopause related challenges, and trauma-related difficulties. If you would like to learn more about how CBT could support you, I invite you to get in touch to explore whether this approach may help you reach your goals and improve your wellbeing.
References:
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (n.d.). Overview | Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk
Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Westbrook, D., Kennerley, H., & Kirk, J. (2011). An Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications (2nd ed.). London: SAGE Publications.
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