Cognitive Therapy
When is Cognitive Therapy used?
Cognitive Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where anxiety or depression is the main problem. It is the most effective psychological treatment for mild, moderate and severe depression and is as effective as antidepressants for many types of depression. Often Cognitive Therapy and medication (anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs) can be used together. When anti-depressants are used for depression, and cognitive therapy is added to the treatment, the results are more effective and longer lasting. Many think that cognitive and behavioral approaches to anxiety are superior in the long term to the use of medication. Cognitive therapy has been found effective for disorders other than depression and anxiety. It is also effectively used for eating disorders and personality problems. It has been at the forefront of treatment approaches to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has also been adapted for use in relationships. It is considered effective for children, adolescents and adults.
The sessions
CBT can be done individually or in groups of people. In individual
therapy, clients will usually meet with a therapist for between 5 and 20,
weekly sessions. Each session will last between 30
and 60 minutes. Sometimes people will meet with a therapist
weekly at the beginning and as therapy progresses, space the appointments
out to once every 2 weeks or once a month in follow-up. In the first 2-4 sessions, the therapist will check that
this sort of treatment will benefit the client and the client can check that
they feel
comfortable with it. Clients decide what they would like to
address in the short, medium and
long term. The client and the therapist will usually start by agreeing on what
to discuss that day.
Group sessions in cognitive therapy are often a little more structured than individual sessions. The initial phases of group therapy are often consist of a significant amount of education, then as the sessions progress, the group members get an opportunity to apply what has been learned. Some groups are very focused, addressing a particular disorder (eating disorders) while others can be more general. One advantage to groups is the ability to interact with others with similar problems. Often groups ask for a commitment of a specific number of weekly sessions.
Problems with therapy
Sometimes there are problems with Cognitive Therapy as there are with any form of therapy. If an individual is feeling low and is having difficulty concentrating, it can be hard, at first, to be motivated in Cognitive Therapy. This may make you feel disappointed or overwhelmed. A good therapist will pace your sessions so you can cope with the work you are trying to do. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about feelings of depression, anxiety, shame or anger. Therapists will do their best to make it comfortable and easier to discuss difficult topics.