Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Overview and Practical Applications

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured psychological treatment aimed at addressing short-term issues by modifying patterns of thinking or behaviour.

How CBT Works

CBT typically involves:

• Keeping mood diaries to track emotional patterns.
• Scaling mood levels to measure progress.
• Direct interaction with therapists, either individually, in groups, or via telephone counselling.
• Utilizing techniques like relaxation exercises or cognitive restructuring.

It is particularly effective for less complex issues such as panic episodes or agoraphobia.

Usefulness of CBT

CBT can be applied to various conditions and situations:

• Agoraphobia Example: Individuals may keep a mood diary and gradually increase exposure to outside environments.
• Setting achievable goals, such as short walks outside the house, and evaluating progress.
• Adjusting strategies based on evaluation to enhance coping mechanisms and resilience.

Each step focuses on achieving specific goals and adapting strategies for better outcomes.