Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? by Joanne Forde

“Men are disturbed not by things but the views which they take of them.”

                                                                                                Epictetus A.D. 55-135

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach used to treat a range of emotional disorders. It is based on the premise that the way you think affects the way you feel and behave, and it is much to do with an individual’s perceptions and appraisal of situations and experiences. Changing your way of thinking can improve your mood.

The main purpose of CBT is to help an individual identify and change their thinking patterns, assumptions and beliefs. CBT ultimately improves one’s mood, by changing one’s thoughts.

What are the benefits?

The development of CBT as a successful therapeutic approach to a range of psychological disorders is now well established. There are many far reaching benefits of having CBT, the most important one is it’s ability to provide long term benefits. In general it helps to provide the individual with a tool box of techniques that can apply to many given problems, which include an understanding of their problems in relation to other aspects of their life.

“Problems are not just viewed in isolation”

Other benefits include the identification of negative thoughts, beliefs attitudes and assumptions, the ability to challenge these, awareness of thinking errors, enhanced problem-solving skills, improved mood state, renewed energy and vitality, and a positive sense of well-being.

One of the myths of CBT is that it doesn’t focus on the past, understanding past experiences is an important aspect of therapy. CBT doesn’t just focus on the here and now. Getting an understanding of oneself and experiences past and present is fundamental to the therapeutic process.

CBT can be applied to a wide range of problems and the services I offer  including:

CBT for eating disorders:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Obesity
• Body Image issues
• Food and vomiting phobias
• Comfort eating and yo-yo dieting

CBT for:

• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Social anxiety
• Panic/anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Shame and embarrassment
• Relationship issues
• Physical health problems
• Sexual abuse
• Anger
• Education, advice, lifestyle management on basic nutrition and health
• Workshops, seminars and research consultancy:
• Cognitive behaviour therapy
• Low self esteem for children and adults
• Eating disorders and obesity
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Social anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What does the consultation involve?

Prior to the first consultation you will be asked to fill in some questionnaires which will provide a general overview of you and your problems.

During the consultation you will be asked about all areas of your life which include, current problem(s), previous history, general health and well being, environmental issues, family and past experiences. You will also be asked about your expectations of therapy and what you want to achieve.

This session will last up to 1hr 30 mins. This information then enables the formulation of a treatment plan, to be tailored to your needs.

For CBT to be successful a client’s motivation and commitment are integral to the process. Following the initial consultation, further sessions will be offered and weekly appointments are preferably for the initial stages but time and financial factors must be taken into account. As CBT is based on a collaborative approach, you will be asked to carry out homework or between session work which may include reading, diary completion or behavioural tasks.

The number of sessions recommended will usually be dependent on the severity of the problem and whether there are any co-existing problems. It may well be that the problem you cam with is secondary to another problem. After the initial consultation a idea of approximate number of session needed will be discussed.

Personal profile

I am a British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.  I have extensive experience and training in eating disorders and other psychological problems. I have worked within the NHS in psychology and psychotherapy departments for the past 13 years.

I completed my first degree in Psychology at Queens in Belfast and went on to do a MSc applied Psychology at Liverpool. I trained for my Diploma at Chester. I have worked as a psychology lecturer, lecturing in all aspects of clinical psychology. I have delivered workshops and seminars to various groups on CBT.

To find out more or to request to contact Joanne Forde, please click on the link below:

CBT Details