Cognitive Psychotherapies Section
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT developed out of behaviour modification, Cognitive Therapy and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and combines cognitive and behavioural techniques.
CBT is psychotherapy based on cognitions, assumptions, beliefs, and behaviours, with the aim of influencing negative emotions that relate to inaccurate appraisal of events.
Therapeutic techniques vary to accommodate individual clients or issues, but commonly include: keeping a diary of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviours; questioning and testing cognitions, assumptions, evaluations and beliefs that might be unhelpful and unrealistic; gradually facing activities which may have been avoided; trying out new ways of behaving and reacting. Relaxation and distraction techniques are also commonly used.
CBT is sometimes used with groups of people as well as individuals, and the techniques are often adapted for self-help manuals.
UK Council for Psychotherapy | Registered Charity No. 1058545 | Company No. 3258939 Registered in England
