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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment for several mental and physical health problems, marital conflicts, and other common life challenges. It can help people cope with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, severe mental illness, phobias, insomnia, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, sexual disorders, and other health conditions. It can also help relieve chronic pain and cope with anger, grief, or loss. Objectives: The purpose of cognitive behavioural therapy is to positively impact people’s feelings and actions, and equip them with coping strategies and problem-solving skills to deal with difficult situations. Structure: CBT is a short-term, structured talk therapy in which you typically attend a limited number of one-to-one sessions with a psychotherapist or a mental health counsellor. However, CBT can take place in the form of group sessions. Usage: CBT can be used either alone or in conjunction with other types of therapies. In some cases, it is most effective when combined with antidepressants or other medications. Approach: CBT is also a collaborative therapy wherein the individual and counsellor meet regularly and work together to have a complete understanding of the problem and develop a treatment strategy. This approach helps individuals to develop a greater sense of confidence in their own abilities and become their own therapists eventually. Usefulness: Cognitive behavioural therapy is not meant only for people with mental health conditions. It can help anyone and everyone learn how to manage stressful life situations better. How CBT Helps? CBT helps you learn new ways to think and behave by changing your thought patterns. You learn to identify and change disturbing or destructive thought patterns that negatively influence your mood, feelings, emotions, and behaviour. By becoming aware of your negative thought patterns, you can perceive problems and challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively. These result in substantial improvement in your day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life. Altering habits or adopting new ones through CBT can relieve symptoms of mental and physical health conditions and allow you to act in better ways. Types of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: CBT is a broad concept and encompasses a range of techniques and approaches. Different types of CBT focus on various aspects of life, while some address specific problems, such as emotional and social challenges. The following are specific types and forms of CBT: Cognitive Therapy: This therapeutic approach focuses on identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted thinking patterns, behaviours, and emotional responses.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This therapy focuses on accepting personal experiences and changing negative thoughts and behaviours. It uses strategies like emotional regulation and mindfulness to treat suicidal and other self-destructive behaviours.
Multimodal Therapy: In this approach, psychological issues are treated by addressing seven different personality dimensions or modalities known by their acronym BASIC I.D., which stands for Behaviour, Affect, Sensation, Imagery, Cognition, Interpersonal relationships, and Drugs/biology. These modalities are reciprocally influential and interconnected.
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT): This type of CBT involves identifying irrational beliefs, actively challenging them, and finally learning to change these beliefs and thought patterns.
Exposure Therapy: This form of CBT requires an individual to confront situations rather than avoid them. For example, if you fear flying, traveling more by airplane than avoiding it can help you overcome temporary stress or anxiety.
While each type of CBT follows a different therapeutic approach, all work to address the underlying thought patterns that cause psychological distress.
Conclusion:
From depression to chronic pain, cognitive behaviour therapy can help people cope with many different problems. A good counsellor will work effectively with an individual to identify goals and expected outcomes. All conversations with the therapist are kept confidential.
If you are experiencing any mental or physical health issues, then consider CBT. A qualified professional and CBT specialist like Poonam Dutta can help you overcome your life’s challenges. Poonam is an experienced psychologist and licensed counsellor who can help you cope with your situation and live a happy and fulfilling life. Contact Poonam Dutta or call her at +91-8830824402 to schedule a one-to-one session today!