Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The focus of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is on helping clients identify dysfunctional thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that are related to disturbing negative emotions and to identify how they are unhealthy.

This is done in an effort to alter the distorted thinking and to replace it with more realistic and self-helping alternatives.

CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, personality, eating disorders and addictions.

The particular therapeutic techniques vary according to the particular kind of client or issue but commonly include:

Keeping a diary of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
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 included.