Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What is it?

CBT is a type of therapy that aims to help individuals change the way they think and act. CBT encourages people to talk about:

How they think about themselves, the world and other people
How what they do affects their thoughts and feelings

CBT focuses on the problems and difficulties that an individual has now rather than issues from the past. It is a therapy that enables an individual to learn techniques to better manage and overcome a particular problem. CBT helps people to understand how their thoughts and behaviours relate to how they feel, and how this might contribute to problems in their life.

What conditions can be treated by CBT?

CBT may be used to treat a number of different mental health conditions, including:

Obsessive compulsive disorder
Phobias and panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Depression
Eating disorders (for example, anorexia and bulimia)
Anxiety

CBT may also help:

Anger problems
Habits (such as facial tics)
Drug and alcohol abuse
Relationship problems
Sleep problems

CBT is also useful for people with chronic health conditions, such as arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome. Although CBT cannot cure any physical symptoms, it can help people who have long-term conditions to cope better with their symptoms.

CBT is not appropriate for everyone and will depend upon the individual and the nature of the problem. Individual personalities and outlook will influence the appropriateness of CBT. Individuals need to be motivated to take action, willing to change behaviour and prepared to undertake homework as part of their therapy. CBT may not be suitable for individuals who have strong views that third parties are the cause of their difficulties as a willingness to change is key to success.

How can CBT be accessed?

CBT is available on the NHS and can be prescribed by a GP or Specialist. Waiting lists are generally long and it can take between 6 to 18 months to access a therapist. Problems can worsen during a long waiting period. You may wish to explore if this is available via your EAP service.

Computer based (CCBT) programmes are also available and the evidence suggests that in some cases these can be as effective as face to face therapy.

How effective is CBT?

CBT is an evidence based therapy. CBT is endorsed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and recommended as the therapy of choice for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress in some cases
CBT has a proven track record in improving work related performance and attendance
CBT is evaluated using a standardised measure of levels of anxiety and depression at the start and conclusion of the intervention

How might it affect work?

When an employee is receiving CBT they may require time away from work to attend for therapy. CBT usually involves weekly or fortnightly sessions with a therapist. The number of sessions required varies greatly depending on the problems and objectives. In most cases a therapy session will last for between 30-60 minutes.