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Cognitive therapy
Our 'cognitive processes' are our thoughts which include our ideas, mental images, beliefs and attitudes. Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or 'fuel', certain mental health problems such as anxiety, phobias, depression and other problems. The therapist helps you to understand your current thought patterns. In particular, to identify any harmful, unhelpful, and 'false' ideas or thoughts which you have that can make you anxious, depressed, etc. The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas. Also, to help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful.
Behaviour therapy
This aims to change any behaviours which are harmful or not helpful. Various techniques are used. For example, a common unhelpful behaviour is to avoid situations which may cause you anxiety. In some people with phobias the 'avoidance' can become extreme and affect day-to-day life. In this situation a type of behaviour therapy called 'exposure therapy' may be used. This is where you are gradually exposed more and more to feared situations. The therapist teaches you how to control anxiety and to cope when you face up to the feared situations. For example, by using deep breathing and other techniques.
Cognitive behaviour therapy - CBT
This is a mixture of cognitive and behaviour therapies. They are often combined because how we behave often reflects how we think about certain things or situations. The emphasis on cognitive or behaviour aspects of therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated. For example, there is often more emphasis on behaviour therapy when treating obsessive compulsive disorder (where repetitive compulsive actions are a main problem). On the other hand, the emphasis may be more on cognitive therapy when treating depression.
What conditions can be helped by CBT?
CBT has been shown to help people with various conditions which include:
phobias
certain anxiety disorders including panic attacks and panic disorder
depression
eating disorders
obsessive-compulsive disorder
anger
post-traumatic-stress disorder
sexual and relationship problems
habits such as facial tics
drug or alcohol abuse
some sleep problems
As a rule, the more specific the problem, the more likely CBT may help. This is because it is a practical therapy which focuses on particular problems and aims to overcome them.
CBT is sometimes used alone, and sometimes used in addition to medication, depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated. For example, it may be used in addition to medication in certain cases of schizophrenia, or to help tackle the psychological aspects of certain physical illnesses.
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