Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured form of talk therapy that mental health professionals commonly use to treat a wide range of disorders because of its high success rates. It is based on the idea that there is an interaction among our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. CBT works by identifying irrational thought patterns, modifying them, and replacing them to enable individuals to have a more rational way of thinking. The therapist also works on helping individuals recognise maladaptive behaviours and change them with adaptive ways of coping.
Individuals who undergo CBT typically attend five to 20 weekly sessions, generally about 45 to 60 minutes each. The first few sessions begin with assessing the symptoms, their severity and frequency, how they affect the individual’s daily life, and setting goals for treatment. In addition, homework is given, which includes exercises to help individuals apply the skills acquired from the therapy sessions in their day-to-day lives. CBT can be delivered in either individual or group therapy sessions.
Generally, our professionals here at Liberty Homes Clinic use CBT to treat substance use disorders (SUD), borderline personality disorder (BDP), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder (depression), bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and other severe mental illnesses.