Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is a proven effective form of psychotherapy which is used for various psychological complaints, such as anxiety disorders, depression, addictions and eating disorders. It focuses on the interaction between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Through awareness and targeted techniques, people can adjust their thinking patterns and behaviours to reduce symptoms and cope better with challenges.

How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy work?

CBT is based on the idea that psychological symptoms stem from negative or unhelpful thinking patterns and learned behaviour. Therapy helps to recognise and break these patterns through practical exercises and new skills. Treatment usually follows a structured path, in which the client and therapist work together towards concrete goals.

Key components of CBT are:

• Recognise and correct thinking errors: People with mental health problems often have negative thoughts that do not match reality. CBT helps to critically examine these thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive ones.
• Learning new coping strategies: Clients learn how to handle stressful or difficult situations in a different way.
• Behaviour change: By acting differently, negative feelings and thoughts can diminish. For example, by no longer avoiding fears, but rather tackling them step by step.
• CBT is an active form of therapy that gives clients exercises between sessions to put new behaviours into practice.

Case study: coping with social anxiety

Sophie (28) experiences extreme tension in social situations, such as networking drinks or meetings with colleagues. She often avoids these situations, which affects her work performance and social life. During CBT, Sophie learns to recognise her negative thoughts ("Everyone thinks I'm weird") and to replace them with more realistic thoughts ("Not everyone is constantly watching me, and I can be myself"). She also practices social interactions step by step, starting with small conversations in a safe environment. After a few weeks, she notices that her anxiety diminishes and she feels freer in social situations.

Effectiveness of CBT

Research shows that CBT is one of the most effective forms of therapy for many mental disorders. Studies show that CBT is as effective, and sometimes more effective, than medication for depression and anxiety disorders, for example. According to the American Psychological Association many people experience significant improvements in their functioning and quality of life within just 12 to 20 sessions.