DEFINITION:COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY[CBT]

It is essential that we explore the origins of this form of therapy and see how it is used in practice. It is not necessary for you to understand in any detail , but simply to have an overview of this important talk therapy.

When we are discussing skills such as how to develop unconditional self-acceptance, challenge perfectionism, deal with failure or cope with the unfairness of life, it will become increasingly obvious just how valuable such CBT techniques are in practice. To truly appreciate them, however we need to understand the concepts underlying this therapy.

CBT stems from the relationship between cognition-how we interpret our environment -and behaviour. this relationship has been known for centuries .

The theory behind CBT is based on the concept that people with anxiety and depression develop persistent negative thoughts over time, which in turn lead to unhealthy negative emotions and destructive behaviour patterns.

In CBT , the psychologist/therapist highlights the negative and dysfunctional thoughts the person experiences when feeling depressed or anxious , and the concomitant negative behaviour patterns. By challenging these erroneous attitude and explanations, and rationalising them , the person’s thoughts and behaviour become more logical and positive . This technique owes much to the pioneering work of two great therapists, Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis.