What is CBT or cognitive behaviour therapy?

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a way to help you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Often people get into a particular way of thinking or reacting and keep doing the same old thing - even though it causes them problems. Understanding what causes those reactions and learning how to think about them differently enables you to adapt the way you think and behave.  This leads to more helpful reactions and less stress and anxiety.

CBT is often recommended by GPs to help with anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders, OCD, negative thoughts, relationship concerns and chronic fatigue or ME. Whilst CBT is available through the NHS there is often a long waiting time.  CBT can be used efectively with long standing or recent issues. In some trials it has been found to have a lower relapse rate and be more effective in the long term than drugs alone.

Whilst there is often some reference to the past because that is where the issues originated, CBT doesn't deal extensively with the past; it's focused on the present and future.

CBT isn't something that's "done to you".  You are involved in creaing your own change because that way it becomes a long term change and gives you techniques that you can use in the future as well.  CBT can be used on its own or combined with other treatments.