Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It is based on the theory that unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns can lead to distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviours, which can then negatively influence a person’s subsequent thoughts or cognitions. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps the patient to identify and target these unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Cognitive behavioural therapy has 2 focuses:

• cognitive therapy focuses on identifying, challenging and modifying faulty or maladaptive thoughts and core beliefs and replacing these with more adaptive cognitions
• behavioural therapy focuses on engaging in behaviours that challenge maladaptive thoughts, modify emotional responses to situations, and improve functioning and wellbeing.

Elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (eg activity scheduling, identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts) can be used individually as a brief form of psychological intervention, particularly in primary care settings.