What is CBT? Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we act (behaviour), how we feel (emotion) and what is happening in our bodies (physiology) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts strongly influence our feelings and our behaviour; therefore unhelpful, negative and unrealistic thoughts can be a major source of distress. 
WHAT IS CBT FOR? CBT can be effective in helping people suffering from: Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Low Self-Esteem, Addictions, Trauma, Anger Problems and Stress. HOW DOES CBT WORK? CBT addresses the vicious circles that can arise between negative thoughts, self-defeating behaviour, difficult emotions (such as overwhelming anxiety) and physiological reactions (such as sweating and trembling). The aim of CBT is to empower the client to generate cognitive and behavioural solutions to problematic aspects of his/her life. Various approaches to specific problem areas are experimented with between the individual and the therapist. CBT uses a variety of techniques directed at three areas: cognition, behaviour and physiology, in order to help with emotional difficulties – in cognitive work, individuals learn to find alternatives to their unhelpful thinking patterns – in behavioural work, individuals learn activity scheduling, social skills, assertiveness etc – in physiological work, individuals are taught relaxation techniques, meditation etc Some CBT Reading Burns, D.D. (1989) The Feeling Good Handbook. New York: Plume. Burns, D.D. (1999) Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Revised edn. New York: Avon. Gilbert, P. (1997) Overcoming Depression: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques. London: Robinson. Padesky, C. & Greenberger, D. (1995) Mind over Mood. Guilford Press Young, J.E. and Klosko, J.S. (1993) Reinventing Your Life. London: Penguin. Some Useful Links Counselling Resource CBT summary Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/treatments/cbt.aspx http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Making+sense/MakingsenseCBT.htm http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy http://counsellingresource.com/types/cognitive-therapy 
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