Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured therapy with evidence-based interventions, which rests on a strong scientific foundation. The theoretical principles and treatment methods are systematically developed and its effectiveness is continuously evaluated against other treatment options through randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression, phobias, GAD (generalised anxiety disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorder, procrastination, psychosis, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), hypochondria (health anxiety), truancy (challenges with school attendance), social anxiety, stress, insomnia, mild addiction (substance and behavioural) and mild eating disorders. CBT is also an effective treatment for mental health problems in neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, autism spectrum.​
Treatment begins with functional analyses of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact in the short term and in the longer term. Some behaviours may be perceived as anxiety-reducing in the short term, which in fact increase anxiety in the longer term. By integrating learning psychology with cognitive theory, insights are provided into how these relationships work and can be changed. Learning psychology explains how behaviours are formed, reinforced and can change. Cognitive theory explains how people interpret and make sense of their experiences. For example, a person with social anxiety may find that avoiding social situations temporarily relieves anxiety, but in the longer term, this behaviour reinforces the client's sense of alienation.
The treatment goal is to create concrete and sustainable changes, through clearly formulated and measurable goals. If someone is seeking therapy for ‘low self-esteem’, this concept needs to be specified e.g. "daring to speak in front of a group" or "taking initiative in social contexts", which makes it possible to evaluate treatment results.​​ Treatment usually lasts between 5-20 sessions depending on the extent of the problem. If the problems are limited and clear, treatment focuses mainly on the present and the future. If the problems are long-standing and complex, the client's life history is mapped to understand how past experiences may have influenced current behavioural patterns. To ensure continuity and progress between sessions, clients are often assigned homework. Supporting the client to independently practice new behaviours and insights in everyday life.
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