CBT is a particular therapeutic approach developed in the 60’s thanks to the merger of theories coming from Cognitive Psychology and Behavioural Psychology.

CBT has quickly become the most recommended first-line approach to treat a wide variety of psychological issues. Indeed it’s effectiveness is supported by extensive empirical research, that makes it one of the most powerful evidence-based interventions in the field of psychotherapy. In recent years, research has also highlighted that online CBT has the same degree of effectiveness as face-to-face CBT.

CBT

We strongly believe that our thoughts, behaviours and emotions are constantly influencing one another. The special and unique way we use to interpret the things happening to us, has a very strong influence on how we feel and on how we will react to them too. Indeed even in distressful situations, it’s not the situation itself creating distress but the specific interpretation we choose to adopt. Our thoughts and beliefs are usually rooted in our past experiences from which we have inferred our knowledge regarding how the world works and what we need to expect. But sometimes it can happen that these beliefs and expectations are applied in a rigid, inflexible and generalised way, creating distress.  Consequently, therapy will aim to recognise and change those beliefs causing distress and those particular behaviours that can maintain or worsen the problem.

Key aspects of CBT:

When is CBT useful? 

CBT can be used for almost all kind of psychological difficulties, as it is a specific way of approaching mental problems. 

In particular, research data highlighted its efficacy in the following areas:

• Anxiety 

Panic attacks – Generalised anxiety – Health anxiety – Social anxiety – OCD – Post-traumatic problems

• Depression and Mood disorders

• Somatic disorders

• Sleep problems (psychophysiological insomnia)

• Personality and relational problems 

• Eating disorders

• Self-esteem issues