Shaun
Goodwin writes about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which he offers.
CBT has been very much in the news lately, being labelled either as the
panacea to all our mental health problems, or criticised as being too
structured and dehumanising. I happen to think that the truth lies somewhere
in the middle. It treats the symptom, rather than finding out what is
behind a problem, but that is all some people want or need.
CBT helps a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression,
lack of self esteem, problems in expressing yourself, anger or just finding
life difficult to cope with. It works by helping people to change their
attitude to life and from that to change their behaviour. The therapy
focuses on the thoughts, images, beliefs and attitudes that we hold (our
cognitive processes) and how this relates to the way we behave, as a way
of dealing with emotional problems. As an example, if we believe that
we fail at tasks, then a problem that comes along could be seen as an
example of that and we may give up. However, if we believe that we are
good at overcoming problems, then that same problem could be seen as an
opportunity to demonstrate our resilience. It is in challenging the thoughts
that our behaviour stems from, that we can effectively change our lives.
The therapy is therefore very empowering for the person, because once
we understand the model, we can spot and make changes ourselves. It is
unusual in that ‘homework’ is set, so that the client can
work and practice with some of the tools between sessions.
CBT is very helpful with phobias and also with OCD. This involves
supporting someone whilst they are gently exposed to their phobia,
or gently encouraged not to repeat their OCD habit. This coupled
with challenging the thoughts that they are having can be extremely
effective.
If you think CBT is for you contact me for a chat.