My name is Kevin O'Doherty. I’m a health psychologist and cognitive behaviour therapist, with my own private practice in Central London. I have around 15 years of experience in the areas of mental health and social care. I also provide Clinical Supervision for CBT Trainees and newly qualified CBT Therapists.
I am the author of :
1, The Little Book of Thinking Errors: A Self-Help Guide to Changing Unhelpful thoughts.
2, Worry Not...Be Happy
3, Compare and Contrast Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?
CBT, generally associated with the work of Aaron Beck in the 1960s, has grown rapidly, and is now one of the foremost psychotherapies in the world. It has been shown by a wealth of research to be one of the most effective therapies in treating issues such as anxiety, stress and depression, in addition to a range of other emotional problems.
Central to the philosophy of CBT is the idea that it is the way that we think about ourselves, the world and the future that largely dictates how we will feel about things. Thus our emotions are closely related to our thinking and behaviour styles and patterns. Clients who choose to undergo CBT are helped to explore the ways that their thinking is playing a large part in their emotional problems. Then (put simplistically) the client is helped by the therapist to take charge of their thoughts, feelings and behaviour in a way that is much more conducive to emotional health.
What can CBT be used for?
CBT has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for a whole range of issues including: depression, anxiety, stress, panic attacks, worry, OCD, eating disorders, relationship issues and phobias etc.
How long does CBT take?
Although the frequency and length may vary from client to client, generally speaking, clients will meet with the therapist for a 50-minute session once per week, for anything between six and 20 sessions (more or less by agreement) Sessions may be spaced out to once per fortnight as therapy progresses.
What will I need to do?
Central to CBT is the idea that the client and the therapist work in partnership on the issue/s brought to therapy. CBT is an active therapy, where the client is expected to take an active role in exploring and hopefully resolving their issues. The goals of CBT are very ambitious - you strive for more than just relief of current symptoms. You’re training to become your own CBT therapist, which gives you the knowledge, skills and expertise to deal with any future issues that might arise for you.
Is CBT the same as positive thinking?
No! Rather than just encouraging clients to view things in a positive and even idealistic way, CBT helps clients to take a rational, empirical and realistic view of things. CBT acknowledges that the world doesn’t always work the way we’d like it to. In order to live in the world, with relative happiness and freedom from emotional disturbance, we need to develop skills dealing for with the world as it is.
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