An Overview of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) examines the complex relationship between an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is premised on the idea that our perceptions impact our experiences and that people can improve their emotional and behavioural responses by modifying negative thought processes and attitudes. CBT has been demonstrated to be a successful form of psychotherapy in treating various disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The therapeutic process involves working closely with a therapist, such as an occupational therapist, to identify and alter recurring negative patterns of thought and behaviour.
The Development of CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) originated from American psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s and blended cognitive and behavioural therapy elements to examine the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Cognitive therapy trains individuals to recognize their automatic thoughts, assess them objectively, and develop alternative, more balanced, and rational thoughts. On the other hand, behavioural therapy concentrates on modifying problematic behaviours through exposure therapy, skills training, and contingency management techniques. It's based on the idea that behaviour is learned through reinforcement and punishment and aims to change the problematic behaviour by altering the consequences that follow it. Beck's pioneering efforts established CBT as a scientifically supported treatment for various mental health issues.
CBT blends these two approaches by utilizing cognitive therapy to change negative thoughts and beliefs and to use behavioural therapy to change the problematic behaviours that stem from those thoughts and beliefs. For example, a person with a social anxiety disorder may have negative thoughts such as "I will embarrass myself," which leads to avoiding social situations. The CBT therapist will work with the person to challenge and change these thoughts through cognitive restructuring, then gradually expose the person to the situations they have been avoiding, helping them to realize their negative thoughts are not accurate.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts” - Unknown
CBT Can Be a Helpful Tool
CBT is a successful therapeutic approach for various age groups, including adults, children, and seniors. It's commonly used to treat numerous mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety disorders (e.g. generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder)
Depression
PTSD
OCD
Phobias
Eating disorders
Insomnia
Chronic pain
Additionally, CBT is helpful for individuals who need help with substance abuse, anger management, and relationship issues. It has also been applied to treat serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, it's crucial to remember that CBT may not be suitable for everyone and that alternative therapy or medication may work better. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual's specific requirements.
The Importance of Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring is a crucial technique in CBT that helps individuals recognize and change negative or irrational thoughts and beliefs that may worsen their emotions and behaviour. The aim is to teach people a more balanced and accurate way of thinking.
The process involves these steps:
Recognizing automatic thoughts: People learn to identify spontaneous thoughts in response to events or situations.
Evaluating automatic thoughts: The person and therapist examine the evidence for and against the thought, evaluating it objectively and assessing its impact on mood and behaviour.
Generating alternative thoughts: After negative thoughts are evaluated, the person and therapist generate alternative, more rational thoughts.
Practicing: The person practices using the new thoughts in real-life situations.
Re-evaluating: After practicing, the person and therapist assess the effectiveness of the new thoughts and make changes if needed.
Cognitive restructuring is a highly effective tool that helps individuals change negative thinking patterns and behaviour. Improving the way they think leads to better emotional and behavioural functioning.
“For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” - Unknown
How Occupational Therapists Treat Using CBT
As a treatment, Occupational Therapists (OTs) use CBT to assist individuals grappling with mental health difficulties or chronic illnesses in overcoming the hindrances that stop them from engaging in activities that matter to them. Through CBT, OTs aim to aid individuals in recognizing and transforming negative or irrational thoughts and beliefs that may hinder their participation in daily activities, such as work, school, or leisure.
By utilizing techniques such as cognitive restructuring, OTs work with patients to develop a more balanced and accurate thought process. Moreover, OTs employ behavioural methods to help individuals alter problematic behaviours inhibiting their ability to engage in daily activities. For instance, they may use exposure therapy to help an individual overcome a fear of heights by gradually exposing them to heights in a controlled and safe setting. Additionally, skills training may equip individuals with the necessary skills for daily activities, including time management, problem-solving, and stress management.
Incorporating the principles of CBT, OTs work collaboratively with individuals to establish specific, measurable treatment goals focused on enhancing participation in daily activities. They then devise a time-limited, action-oriented treatment plan to achieve these objectives.
For instance, an individual who experiences chronic pain and cannot complete daily activities may harbour negative thoughts like "I will never be able to do this" or "It's too hard." In such a scenario, an occupational therapist may apply cognitive restructuring techniques to help the individual identify and modify these limiting beliefs and negative thoughts. Additionally, the occupational therapist may implement behavioural strategies such as pacing and gradual exposure to incrementally enhance the individual's activity level and teach them pain management techniques to help manage their symptoms.
Similarly, an individual with a social anxiety disorder who faces difficulties interacting with others may hold negative thoughts such as "I am going to make a fool of myself" or "People will reject me." In this scenario, an occupational therapist may also employ cognitive restructuring techniques to assist the individual in identifying and transforming these negative thoughts. Furthermore, the occupational therapist may use behavioural approaches like social skills training and exposure therapy to help the individual overcome anxiety and enhance social interactions.
It is crucial to remember that the examples given are merely illustrations of how OTs may employ CBT with clients, and the exact intervention would depend on the client's specific requirements, objectives, and concerns.