Cognitive behavioural therapy - Considerations

Advantages

• Research has shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be as successful as medicine in treating many types of depression and other mental health disorders
• CBT can be completed in a relatively short time compared with other talking therapies.
• Because it is highly structured, CBT can be provided in a number of different formats such as through computer programmes, groups and self-help books.
• The skills learnt in CBT are useful, practical and helpful strategies that can be incorporated into an individual s life to help them cope better with future stresses and difficulties.

Disadvantages

• To benefit from CBT, you need to commit yourself to the process. A therapist can help and advise you, but cannot make your problems go away without your co-operation.
• Because of the structured nature of CBT, it may not be suitable for people who have more complex mental health needs or learning difficulties.
• Some critics of CBT argue that because the therapy only addresses current problems and focuses on very specific issues, it does not address the possible underlying causes of mental health conditions, such as an unhappy childhood.
• CBT focuses on the individual s capacity to change themselves (their thoughts, feelings and behaviours), and does not address wider problems in systems or families that often have a significant impact on an individual s health and wellbeing.

How effective is CBT?

CBT can help you to manage problems, such as anxiety and depression, so they are less likely to have a negative impact on your life. There is always a risk that the bad feelings you associate with your problem return, but with your CBT skills it should be easier for you to control them.

Even after you are feeling better and your sessions have finished, it is important to practise your CBT skills. Some research suggests that CBT may be better than antidepressants at preventing the return of depression. Refresher CBT courses are available if you feel you need to go through the skills you have learnt again.