What is Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a short-term type of behavioural therapy. It focuses on the relationship between beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The assumption behind CBT is that by changing one corner of the triangle, you can change the other corners of the CBT triangle (see image below). For example, by changing your thoughts in a situation, you can also change the emotions and behaviour you have in that situation. Awareness is brought to the pattern of thoughts or emotions, and then there is an effort to change that pattern. Short manageable goals promote that change.

The patterns are changed through the implementation of different skills, tools, strategies, and techniques. CBT usually involves homework through worksheets and other practices.

CBT can be used to better manage and cope with chronic conditions such as Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Diabetes, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy has been found to be effective for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood Issues
• Post-traumatic stress
• Obsessions and compulsions
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic Pain
• Sleep Issues
• Phobias
• Disordered eating
• Substance dependency
• Sexual issues
• Anger management

It can be very effective in reducing the suffering of people who have negative thought patterns or are prone to anxiety. It complements other modalities as well.

Further Reading

Beck Institute https://beckinstitute.org

This is the website of the institute of one of the biggest influencers of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. This website has a lot of information about CBT, possible training, and other resources.

Mind Over Mood – Christine A. Padesky & Dennis Greenberger

This is a great book on how to use CBT to improve the quality of your life by changing your thoughts and emotions. It has worksheets included with the book and has step-by-step plans that you can use.