Kevin Noon

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a combination of cognitive therapy, which examines unwanted thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs (called cognitive processes) and behavioural therapy, which focuses on behaviour in response to those thoughts.CBT is based on the belief that most unhealthy modes of thinking and behaving have been learned over a long period of time. Using a set of structured techniques, a CBT therapist aims to identify thinking that causes problematic feelings and behaviour. The person then learns to change this thinking which, in turn, leads to more appropriate and positive responses.For example, negative thoughts usually lead to upsetting or angry feelings which then affect our mood and our behaviour. If a person is unable to counter such thoughts with a more positive stance, a negative spiral ensues and perceptions of a situation can become distorted. CBT encourages the person to challenge their beliefs about themselves and their abilities so that they achieve a more realistic view of the situation.The aim of treatment is for the client and therapist to work in partnership to identify patterns of thought and behaviour which are causing problems, and to plan a structured way forward with agreed practical objectives.The success of CBT depends on the active participation of the person in the whole process, so there is an initial interview which enables the client to decide whether they want to go ahead with the therapy. It also enables the therapist to judge the persons commitment, and decide whether this sort of therapy is suitable.All Therapists are accredited with The British Association For Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies.