Principles of CBT

• CBT takes a structured, problem-solving approach to emotional and behavioural problems.
• CBT is collaborative: we will work together to find solutions to your difficulties. The first step is to clearly identify your problems; once we have a good understanding as to what the main problems are, we will work collaboratively to develop strategies to tackle these clearly identified problems.
• CBT is goal-oriented: it involves setting specific, measurable and achievable goals.
• Progress towards goals will be monitored weekly.
• CBT is an active type of therapy, You will be expected to play an active role in therapy. In some talking therapies, the patient is encouraged to talk for most of the therapy hour, while the therapist listens and provides support. In CBT, my role is to teach you new skills to help you overcome your current difficulties. Your role is to be an active participant, by noting down important points discussed in session, and being prepared to practice new ways of thinking and behaving in everyday life.
• Techniques will be introduced as skills to be acquired by you, for you to practice and carry in your day to day life through self-help exercises.
• The “success” of CBT is in part dependent on your willingness to actively participate in your treatment, including having your current style of thinking challenged and your willingness to experiment with new ways of behaving.
• CBT is time-limited: typically, it lasts between 5-20 sessions; length of therapy depends on the nature of your problems and on your progress.
• An important aim of CBT is to help you become your own therapist by providing you with the tools and skills necessary to cope with problems long after your therapy experience is over.