Is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) For Me?
I provide CBT for many clients, mostly in-person, but also online. I am not, however, a one-trick-pony! CBT simply isn’t for everyone for a number of reasons. And if it is for you, how will you know?
CBT may not be for you, if:
- you or a loved one finds it too difficult looking reflectively ‘inwards’.
- you are someone unwilling to take the initiative and do what is necessary to alter current thinking and resultant negative behaviours (at this time).
- you agree on goals but are unwilling to be accountable in trying to achieve those objectives – and for these targets being measured for success or a new plan.
- you are not ready for change.
- you have a diagnosed condition that creates a barrier to new learning.
If CBT is for you, what do you want from therapy?
Here are some examples of behaviours you may be unhappy with:
- anger and emotional explosiveness
- reactions to stress
- anxiety? (social, generalised, workplace, etc.)
- relationships
- depression
- phobia
- obsessions and compulsions (OCD)
- confidence and self-esteem
What might, and what might not, happen next?
Whether you have been referred for CBT, or not, it is crucial that a proper assessment takes place. Although CBT is well regarded, many refer to colleagues, and me, without entirely understanding the individual. This isn’t surprising, given the time and resource constraints for those referring.
So, is it a waste of my time if you find I’m unsuitable?
Not at all! CBT is just one of a number of models of talking therapy that many colleagues and I provide. I often suggest CBT along with other forms of therapy – as part of the overall strategy. One is not entirely dependent on another.
Can I refer myself to you?
Most certainly! As an individual buying from a private service provider, you and I get to create a unique, bespoke collaboration for the maximum potential benefit. An added benefit is not having to wait for more than a week. This time is also an opportunity to discuss costs.
CBT is also appropriate, in many cases, for younger individuals and it is worth considering for children and adolescents.
What else do I need to think about when considering therapy?
Whichever therapist you see or meet, whether online or in-person, it is vital that you feel able to trust in the environment, the process – and most importantly – the individual themselves. I provide a free 30 minute session for us to talk, or meet. Often this is tacked onto a full session where we can get to understand how comfortable each is with each other!
It’s always going to be somewhat anxiety provoking in advance of your first meeting, and for some during the initial consultation but a good therapist will help you be at ease, gain your confidence, and reassure you. If that doesn’t happen, consider moving on. This decision is entirely reasonable.
How long and how often will I need to work with the therapist?
This question is understandable! However, it is challenging to answer with any accuracy because everyone is unique. It may help to know that both you and the therapist will have a growing understanding around the progress being achieved. When value appears to be diminishing, it may be time to ‘fly’! Both you and the therapist will discuss and agree. Ultimately, though, it will always be your choice. Expect to work together on a weekly basis, initially. After a time, you will either move to two weekly, monthly – or simply stop altogether. (I always offer an open door policy for any future ‘maintenance’.)
I’m scared of what change may mean for me?
Anxiety around change is an area that requires the therapist to be aware of and to address. Providing a reason to trust, and a level of reassurance in which the client can believe in, is a regular part of the process.
What questions or concerns remain?
This post provides the briefest of introductions to CBT and Talking Therapy. If you have any questions or concerns and would like to write or talk to me directly, you will always be welcome.
Bob Brotchie is a counsellor, mindset consultant and creator of Conscious Living by Design™. He writes for Anglia Counselling, is featured on various other websites and introduces us to many guest writers all covering topics related to mental health and wellbeing.
Bob provides bespoke counselling services to clients in the privacy and comfort of a truly welcoming environment at his Anglia Counselling company office, located near Newmarket in Suffolk, England. Bob also provides professional online counselling, for local, national, and international clients. The therapeutic models offered are bespoke to the client’s needs, especially those in receipt of 'childhood emotional neglect' (CEN), whilst integrating a mindful approach to psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) principles. For clients experiencing trauma and/or phobia, Bob offers EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).