Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment approach for a range of mental and emotional health issues, and focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
It aims to help individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts while learning practical self-help strategies designed to bring about positive changes in quality of life.
Take Control of Your Thoughts and Behaviour
Discover how CBT can help you break unhelpful thought patterns and achieve lasting positive change. Contact us to start your journey with CBT.
Key Components of CBT:
Cognitive Restructuring
Identifying and challenging irrational or maladaptive thoughts, replacing negative thoughts with more realistic and constructive ones.
Behavioural Activation
Encouraging engagement in positive activities to improve mood and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.
Exposure Therapy
Gradually confronting feared situations or stimuli to reduce anxiety and avoidance behaviours.
Skills Training
Teaching coping skills and problem-solving techniques for handling difficult situations more effectively.
Self-Monitoring
Keeping track of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to identify patterns and triggers.
How CBT Can Help:
Reducing Anxiety and Depression
CBT is effective for treating various anxiety disorders and depression by addressing negative thought patterns and promoting healthier behaviours.
Managing Stress
It teaches coping strategies and problem-solving skills, helping individuals manage stress more effectively.
Improving Self-Esteem
Challenging negative self-beliefs can lead to improved self-esteem and a more positive self-image.
Addressing Phobias
CBT helps individuals confront and reduce fears through gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Enhancing Emotional Regulation
Understanding the link between thoughts and emotions allows individuals to manage their feelings better.
Promoting Lasting Change
CBT equips individuals with tools to apply techniques outside of therapy, fostering long-term mental health.
When CBT is Useful
CBT is beneficial for anyone seeking help to confront unhelpful thoughts that hinder them from achieving their goals or living the life they desire. Its focus is on illustrating how your thoughts influence your mood, guiding you to adopt a more positive perspective on yourself and your circumstances. The approach is based on the idea that negative thinking is a habit that, like any other, can be changed.
CBT can address a variety of psychological problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Anxiety disorders (e.g., social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Irrational fears
- Hypochondria
- Substance misuse (e.g., smoking, alcohol, drug use)
- Problem gambling
- Eating disorders
- Insomnia
- Relationship issues
- Emotional or behavioural problems in children or teenagers.
Using CBT to Treat Anxiety
While anxiety can enhance performance in stressful situations, some individuals experience persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life. CBT focuses on changing thought patterns and beliefs associated with anxiety, helping individuals learn coping skills to manage their feelings effectively.
Using CBT to Treat Depression
Individuals with depression often develop automatic negative thinking patterns that affect their self-perception and outlook. CBT provides tools to challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive beliefs.
CBT and the Interconnection of Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviours
The focus of CBT is the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. For example, severe shyness (social phobia) can stem from the belief that others find you boring/dull, leading to anxiety and uncomfortable physical symptoms. CBT teaches that it is possible to control thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping individuals challenge automatic beliefs and implement practical strategies to foster more positive feelings and behaviours.
Treatment with CBT
Treatment details may vary based on individual needs but typically include:
Assessment
Filling out questionnaires to describe problems and pinpoint distressing symptoms.
Personal Education
Your practitioner may provide written materials to help you understand your specific issues, empowering you to dismiss unfounded fears.
Goal Setting
Collaborating with your practitioner to establish achievable goals, with practical strategies for fulfillment.
Practice of Strategies
Practicing new techniques with your practitioner, such as role-playing challenging situations.
Homework
Encouraging active participation in therapy by applying learned strategies in daily life and reporting results.
Is CBT the right therapy for you?
CBT therapy requires active participation and may including homework and keeping a detailed diary of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
A trusting relationship with your practitioner is essential and while CBT is a short-term therapy, significant change may take months or longer, so it’s not a quick fix.
Overall, CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that empowers individuals to take control of their thoughts and behaviours, leading to improved emotional well-being and a better quality of life.
"Therapy is about giving our clients the tools to feel empowered and motivated to take charge of their progress, goals and general wellbeing."
Meet our Team
We are here to support you
Why Choose Us
At Health Sense, we are dedicated to providing a compassionate, welcoming space where individuals can explore and overcome their challenges. Through our client-focused approach and commitment to the community, we aim to empower you to achieve greater well-being.
Safe and Supportive Environment
We offer a non-judgemental space for you to work through your challenges with understanding and care.
Qualified Practitioners
Our team of qualified and experienced professionals will provide the tools and strategies you need to overcome your challenges.
Tailored Therapy
We are passionate about customising each therapy plan to fit individual needs, helping you understand your mental health challenges and thrive—not just survive.
Warm and Welcoming Space
Our newly refurbished practice is designed to make you feel comfortable and supported, with a friendly administration team to make your experience seamless.
Social Mission in Action
By attending our practice, you contribute to a greater cause. We direct 100% of our profits to Luma, one of Australia's largest not-for-profit organisations specialising in women's health and wellbeing.
A Team with Heart
Our team consists of professionals who share a passion for giving back to the community, taking pride in their work, and supporting our clients and our social mission.
