Who Can Benefit From CBT?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is an active therapy, which is collaborative in nature. Therapist and client work together to set goals for treatment and consider how best to achieve those goals. As therapy involves learning new skills, learning and practice outside the therapy session are essential parts of treatment. For these reasons those most likely to benefit from a CBT approach are those with a degree of motivation, who are willing to look at themselves and who are happy to take some responsibility for working on their difficulties.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is not suited to those who:
- are in the midst of a psychotic episode
- are currently engaged in another form of psychological therapy or counselling
- require hospitalisation
- drink alcohol to excess
- have a long term and ongoing dependency on non prescription (illegal) drugs
If you believe that you fall into one or more of these categories, it is recommended that you speak to your GP about alternative forms of help.
Please note: if you are experiencing serious thoughts about taking your own life, CBT may not be appropriate. Please contact your GP or the Samaritans (24 hour support) on 08457 90 90 90 or visit their website
Research indicates that CBT is effective for a wide range of psychological problems (supported by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence). If you are suffering from any of the difficulties listed below, CBT may be an appropriate form of treatment to help you.
- Agoraphobia
- Anger
- Anxiety and Panic
- Bereavement
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME
- Chronic (persistent) Pain / Fibromyalgia
- Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Health Anxiety
- Sleep Problems
- Low self Esteem
- Obsessive Compulsive Problems
- Post Trauma Reactions
- Relationship/Sexual Difficulties
- Self Harm
- Social Anxiety, Shyness and Nervousness
- Specific Phobias (e.g. spiders / vomit / blood / needle)
- Stress, Motivation and Work Related Problems