AACBT - What is CBT?

What does CBT involve?
In a broad sense, as its name suggests, CBT involves both 'cognitive therapy' and 'behaviour therapy'. Cognitive therapy focuses on an individual's pattern of thinking while behaviour therapy looks at associated actions. When combined skilfully, these two approaches provide a very powerful method to help overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems in children, adolescents and adults. Depending on the problem, CBT may involve a mix of both therapeutic modalities, so some issues are better treated with more behavioural methods and some with more cognitive methods. One of the strengths of CBT is that it aims not just to help people overcome the symptoms that they are currently experiencing, but it also aims to teach the person new skills and strategies that they can apply to future problems. It focuses on the 'here and now' whilst developing an understanding of past styles of thinking and behaviour that have developed over time.

Is CBT suitable for me?
As CBT is an evidenced based therapy, through extensive research it has been shown to be effective for most problems. As it is flexible and tailored, it is likely to be suitable for most people. Your therapist will make an assessment about whether it is suitable for you at your first session.

What can I expect at my first session?
In the first session, your cognitive behaviour therapist should

Undertake a thorough assessment - you will be asked about past experiences and treatment to better understand the nature of the difficulties for which treatment is being sought.

Give you an opportunity to tell them anything you think is relevant to your issue.

Explain the basis of cognitive behaviour therapy and how it works

Explain what you can expect from therapy

Give you an idea of how long you will need to see them - the number of sessions varies with the type of difficulties being treated.

Discuss the treatment plan with you including goals and ways to monitor progress.

What can I expect in future sessions?
CBT is a well-planned therapy focused on outcomes. There are a range of techniques and styles in CBT, but regardless of their approach, each session your therapist should:

Give you an opportunity to tell them what has happened since you last saw them

Explain what will happen during that session

Measure and keep you informed about your progress

Give you time to practise any new skills and ask any questions during the session

What can I expect in between sessions?
CBT is an active therapy - sometimes described as a 'doing therapy' rather than a 'talking therapy'. So, individuals will be expected to be active participants in their own therapy. This means that you can expect to be fully involved in your sessions and to develop with your therapist some tasks to practice in between sessions. Sometimes these tasks are called 'homework'.

Things that should never happen with your therapist.
Your cognitive behaviour therapist should never

Enter into a sexual relationship with you - whether you initiate it or they initiate it

Enter into any other improper dual relationship

Divulge information about you unless:
(a) you specifically authorise in writing the release of information; or
(b) the release of information is to protect you or others from harm; or
(c) the release of information is required by law.

Exploit you, for example by asking favours of you

Force or try to coerce you to engage in a particular type of treatment, such as group therapy.

A qualified therapist would be expected to practice the code of ethics applicable to their profession. Be sure to contact relevant regulatory bodies if you are concerned about the practice of a therapist.