The benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used and effective interventions for treating mental health problems in the United Kingdom and internationally.

CBT is proven to show excellent results in improving and resolving a range of issues, such as anxiety, different types of phobia, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar and psychotic disorders. Aaron Beck, John Watson, Albert Bandura and Arnold Lazarus largely contributed to the development and implementation of CBT as a therapeutic method.

HOW DOES CBT WORK?

When I use CBT with my private clients, I help them identify and overcome their dysfunctional thoughts, behaviours and emotions. The objective is to transform unhelpful and unhealthy patterns into positive and healthy ones. I follow the 6 classic CBT phases:

Psychological assessment: I do an intensive assessment of your symptoms and problems that enables me to make a correct diagnosis.

Reconceptualisation: Once the diagnosis is made, I help you rethink your unhealthy and maladaptive thinking patterns, symptoms and emotions.

Skills Acquisition: During this phase, I help you acquire healthy behaviour patterns so that you can effectively face and cope with your potential issues. In this phase many symptoms and problems also fade off.

Skills consolidation and application training: As you have already acquired all the necessary skills, it is essential to put them in a definite framework for you, otherwise the therapy may lose its positive effect. In this phase we shape and stabilise your newly acquired skills.

Maintenance: Once shaped and developed, you need to maintain your skills. If you do not practice the acquired skills, everything you have learnt during the CBT sessions might partially or totally disappear. Practice and perseverance bring stable and long-term therapeutic effects. For that, I give a lot of exercises and ‘homework’ that keep you thinking and reflecting on yourself outside the sessions. Don’t be surprised or afraid of the word ‘homework’. These exercises are simple but powerful and will consolidate what you have learnt and achieved.

Follow-up: I will be available for you even after your CBT sessions are over. Follow-ups are a regular routine that enables you to keep in touch with me and to ensure your well-being if needed after the end of the sessions.

WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES OF CBT SESSIONS?

CBT can be easily integrated in your everyday routine. This approach is client-specific i.e. it is based on your specific personal needs. It focuses on both the psychological and physical sides of your problems and enables you to work on your thought processes and behavioural patterns. It also helps you develop a well-defined sense of self and insight, healthy behaviours and equips you to deal with any further challenging events and situations which might arise in the future. The results are evidence-based. This means that you can observe the outcomes yourself.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE CBT?

It is not time consuming as you can work with me from your home during your own time. I will be available in accordance with your time zone, no matter where you live.

The sessions are confidential with a focus on safeguarding your privacy, dignity and integrity. They are also customised and personalised with respect to your specific and personal needs, including a continuous follow-up system even when the sessions are over.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL BE NEEDED?

Therapy length will depend upon each client’s specific issue. Generally, 10 to 20 sessions are required for effective and long-term results.