Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive behaviours and cognitive processes and contents through several goal-oriented, explicit, systematic procedures. The name refers to behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, and therapy based on basic behavioural and cognitive principles and research.

Techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

There are different protocols for delivering cognitive-behavioural therapy, with important similarities among them. Cognitive-behavioural therapy may refer to different interventions, including self-instructions, relaxation, biofeedback, development of adaptive coping strategies, changing maladaptive beliefs, and goal setting. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is used in individual and group settings, and the techniques are often adapted for self-help applications.

CBT has six phases:
1. Assessment;
2. Reconceptualization;
3. Skills acquisition;
4. Skills consolidation and application training;
5. Generalization and maintenance;
6. Post-treatment assessment follow-up.

Approach of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a psychological treatment that addresses the interactions between how we think, feel and behave. It focuses on current problems and follows a structured style of intervention. The development and administration of cognitive-behavioural therapy have been closely guided by research. Evidence now supports the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for drug and alcohol addiction.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy is less like a single intervention and more like a family of treatments and practices. Practitioners of cognitive-behavioural therapy may emphasize different treatment aspects (cognitive, emotional, or behavioural) based on the practitioner’s training.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy has been studied and effectively implemented with persons who have multiple and complex needs. They may be receiving additional forms of treatment or have had no success with other kinds of treatment.