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How is CBT Therapy different to other talking therapies?

February 3, 2025

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), at Neuro Precision, is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Here is an overview of how CBT works:

Identifying negative thought patterns: In CBT, individuals work with a therapist to identify negative, irrational, or distorted thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress.

Challenging and reframing thoughts: Once negative thought patterns are identified, individuals learn to challenge and reframe them through evidence-based techniques. This often involves examining the evidence for and against a negative thought and developing more balanced or accurate perspectives.

Changing behaviours: In addition to addressing thoughts, CBT also focuses on changing behaviour patterns that contribute to emotional distress. Individuals learn new coping skills and strategies to deal with challenging situations more effectively.

Setting goals and practicing skills: Through regular sessions with a therapist, individuals set goals and practice new skills learned in therapy in their daily lives. Homework assignments are often given to help reinforce the skills learned in sessions.

In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), goal setting is an important aspect of the therapeutic process.

Here’s how goal setting typically works in CBT:

Collaborative process: Goal setting in CBT is a collaborative process between the individual and the therapist. Together, they identify specific and achievable goals related to the individual’s mental health and well-being.

Identifying areas for improvement: The therapist works with the individual to identify areas in their life where they want to see improvement. This could include managing anxiety, overcoming phobias, improving self-esteem, or addressing other mental health concerns.

SMART Goals

Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals: The goals established in CBT are often framed using the SMART criteria. This means the goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, which helps ensure they are clear and attainable.

Breaking down larger goals: If the individual has larger, long-term goals, the therapist and individual work together to break these down into smaller, manageable steps. This step-by-step approach makes the goals more achievable and less overwhelming.

Regular review and adjustment: Throughout the therapy process, the therapist and individual regularly review progress toward goals. If necessary, goals are adjusted or new ones are set to ensure they remain relevant and helpful.

By setting and working toward specific goals in CBT, individuals are able to track their progress, stay motivated, and focus on making meaningful changes in their lives to improve their mental health and well-being.

Monitoring progress: Progress in CBT is tracked and monitored regularly. Individuals and therapists work together to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and make adjustments as needed.

Overall, CBT is a structured and goal-oriented form of therapy that empowers individuals to take an active role in changing their thought patterns and behaviours to improve their mental health and well-being.

https://www.neuroprecision.co.uk