Useful Information
Useful Information
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - What is it?
The French Philosopher Descartes established that the basis of human consciousness was cogito ergo sum “I think therefore I am”. Our innermost thoughts exert a powerful influence on our emotions and actions.
When we are exposed to a particular trauma this triggers our thought processes and ultimate actions, usually in a highly negative way to the detriment of our behaviour.
CBT tackles negative behaviour normally with the help of a therapist (self help books can also be of great benefit particularly in conjunction with CBT) working together with the client/sufferer on their thought processes and so addressing directly the relevant psychological problems. These may well include anxiety, reactive depression, Post Trauma Stress, panic attacks and obsessivecompulsive disorders.
Early Critical Incident Debriefing has been applied increasingly to road traffic accidents and other traumatic events allowing the person to talk through both the technical and emotional issues before their thought processes are adversely influenced and PTSD takes hold.
CBT techniques include a thorough functional analysis, relaxation training, and challenging negative behaviour with a strong emphasis on goal-setting. The underlying principle is to assist the survivor to face their fears, redress their negative thought processes and resume a normal pattern in their lives.
Thorough research has now established that CBT is an extremely effective remedy which can be accomplished in between 6 and 20 sessions. A persons G.P. is the normal port of call for anyone wanting to enquire for an effective way of combating their fears.