What is CBT?
Understanding the evidence-based therapy at the heart of IACBT's work.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Mental Health
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that helps people manage problems by changing the way they think and act. Cognitive Behavioural Interventions are evidence-based and among the most widely practiced psychological interventions worldwide, used to prevent, treat and promote mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan.
CBT is built on the idea that thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour are all connected — and that getting stuck in negative cycles can be addressed by breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable parts. Because it is structured, time-limited and focused on the present, CBT is well suited to a wide range of settings, from one-on-one clinical practice to group and community-based programmes.
Core Elements of CBT
- Psychoeducation about the presenting difficulty and how it is maintained
- Cognitive restructuring to address unhelpful thinking patterns
- Behavioural activation and graded, systematic exposure where relevant
- Skills training in coping, problem-solving and relapse prevention