Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a form of talk therapy which is problem-oriented, structured and directive. Key concept in CBT is that all our problems are related to, how we process information, organize it, store it and relate new information to old one. In CBT, client and therapist work collaboratively in a goal-oriented manner and client starts thinking in a balanced and realistic manner to feel better emotionally and developing a more positive behavior. In this process, the client is asked to record and monitor thoughts during situations and interaction of these with their emotions and physiological states. After evaluation of thought process, the therapist uses various techniques to find the validity of client’s thinking and make him/her to think more rationally which ultimately leads to develop balanced emotional response and more appropriate behaviour during the same situations.

CBT is effective and evidence based psychological treatment for many psychological conditions and many times as good as medications.

It is used for the following psychiatric/psychological conditions:

1. Depressive disorders
2. Anxiety disorders e.g. specific phobias (e.g., fear of animals, heights, enclosed spaces), panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), generalized anxiety disorder
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
4. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
5. Eating disorders e.g. bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorder e.g. body dysmorphic disorder, Trichotillomania, and Skin Picking Disorder 7. Addiction (Substance Use Disorders, Mobile addiction, Internet Addiction, Pornography addiction)
8. Tourette Syndrome and Tic-related disorder
9. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
10. Relationship Problems

Sessions

It usually requires 6 to 20 sessions and varies as per the psychiatric disorders, severity of problem, and personality of the client.