What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
CBT is a form of therapy that has been effective for treating depression, anxiety disorders, anti-social disorders (such as Oppositional Defiance and Conduct Disorders) to name a few. CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. This therapy approach usually involves efforts to change participants thinking patterns. Helping them to recognize distortions in their thinking that are creating limitations, gaining a better understanding of motivations and behaviours of others, developing problem solving skills to cope with challenging situations, and become aware of developing more confidence in their own abilities.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT also usually involves efforts to change behavioural patterns in participants. These might include, facing one’s fear instead of avoiding them, learning to calm their mind and relax their body, using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others. Puppets are often used for role playing with children and teens.
Therapists and participants work together collaboratively in CBT to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop positive strategies. In this form of therapy, the participant will do exercises outside of the sessions. This “homework” helps develop coping skills that assist in their thinking, emotions and how to cope with problems. The therapist will be looking at what is happening in the participant’s present life and moving forward to develop more effective coping skills.
