Cognitive behavioural therapy is based on the premise that a person's thoughts (cognitive), influence feelings and behaviour. Behavioural therapists see negative patterns of thought as a cause for
a variety of conditions including depression or anger, and therefore seek to replace these destructive patterns with more positive ones.
History
Cognitive behavioural therapy can be traced back to the 1950s. Psychotherapist, Albert Ellis developed the RET (Rational Emotive Therapy) approach in response to his frustrations regarding aspects of psychoanalysis. Another psychotherapist named Aaron T Beck would advance some of these theories and also make a major contribution to the movement with his development of
cognitive therapy.
Approach
Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy is a combination of cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy. It is considered to be a
here and now type of psychotherapy and avoids the scrutiny of past events. While it may recognise the influence past events may have on thoughts and behaviour it seeks to resolve problems in the present context.
How can it help?
Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy can help to solve a wide range of issues such as depression,
obsessive compulsive disorder, anger and alcohol
drug abuse. It is used as a stand-alone treatment and in conjunction with medication, depending on the type and severity of the condition that is being addressed.
Cognitive Behavioural psychotherapy resources
Albert Ellis Institute
Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
