Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) the right fit for me?

'Is CBT the right fit for me?' In the realm of mental health, where the multiple pathways to wellness can task us with an overwhelming choice, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is becoming a more and more popular choice; but is it the right fit for you?

As a CBT therapist, I've witnessed firsthand its transformative and empowering effects- be that in the presentation of symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias or body dysmorphia, to name a few. However, if you are looking for a ‘quick fix’, ‘a simple cure’, or ‘for my problems to disappear’, then it probably is not the right fit for you. CBT is very much a collaborative process; it is a journey that the therapist and client will take together.

‘So, what is CBT? How does it work?’ CBT is a relatively short term, goal focused, evidence-based therapeutic approach that is rooted in the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are intricately interconnected. It operates on the premise that by identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns, we can alter our emotional responses and behavioural reactions to have more healthful and compassionate effects on our day- to- day lives.

‘What can I expect from CBT sessions?’ Your own personal goal for your CBT sessions will very much influence the direction that you and your therapist will take, but you can expect your sessions to follow a relatively consistent structure. Again, with the collaborative nature of CBT, you can expect to have an active role in treatment planning, reviewing your progress and in completing what is referred to often as ‘homework’. Evidence highlights that setting ‘homework’, in the form of encouraging clients to practise implementing new skills learned in the sessions over the course of their week, builds confidence in independently using these and encourages the individual to become an active agent in their own healing journey. Your CBT sessions will likely involve you pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, be that in challenging your perspective, exposing yourself to feared or anxiety provoking scenarios, or opening up about the difficulties that you have held close to your chest for so long. CBT is not about merely "positive thinking" or brushing aside genuine emotions and the trigger for these. It is about having your experiences validated, cultivating a balanced perspective and acknowledging both the challenges and the opportunities that lie within in each individual situation.

‘Who can be referred for CBT?’ At Insights Psychology inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's a guiding principle that underpins every aspect of our work as a team. As a CBT practitioner, I believe in creating a safe and affirming space where individuals from all walks of life can embark on their healing journey with care and compassion. CBT can be tailored to your needs- be that with your individual symptoms, age or even accessibility, with therapy sessions available virtually as well as in person, to adults, adolescents and children. CBT is a highly effective modality for those of the neurodivergent population, as well as those of the neurotypical. I've had the privilege of witnessing countless success stories unfold over the years; one particular example comes to mind: a neurodivergent adolescent navigating  ADHD who, through CBT, learned to harness their unique strengths and to approach challenges with newfound confidence and self- belief.

While CBT may not have all the answers, or may not delve so much into our past history, it certainly equips one with a box of tools for the here and now, and offers a roadmap for navigating future bumps along the road with more optimism, compassion, and an open mind.

'This is the right fit for me, how can I book an appointment?' If you feel like this is the right fit for you, I would be more than happy to guide and support you through your CBT journey and pathway to wellness. Contact [email protected] via email or call (+971) 4 564 6988 to book a consultation today.