Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is a type of talk therapy that is supported by years of research and proven to help treat mental and psychological illness.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that emotions arise as a result of the thoughts or perceptions one has about a particular situation not the situation itself. To change negative emotions like sadness, anger and anxiety therefore, one has to modify the thought or perception that caused it.

Yes! And there’s evidence to show this. Numerous studies attest to the efficacy of CBT in the treatment of Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Panic Disorder, Social phobia, Obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders. (Butler, Chapman, Forman & Beck. 2006, McHugh et al. 2007)
Apart from mental illness, CBT is also efficacious in the treatment of chronic pain from disorders like fibromyalgia, functional neurologic disorder like myoclonic jerks and somatoform disorders. CBT is also efficacious in the treatment of Obesity, Substance abuse and insomnia. (Morin C.M, Culbert JP, Schwartz SM. Nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia: a meta analysis of treatment efficacy. Am J Psychiatry 1994; 151(8): 1172-1180).

CBT is applicable to a vast array of mental and psychological illness in conjunction with psychiatry and medication or as a stand-alone treatment. Examples of illnesses that are amenable to CBT include;

• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Panic Disorder / Panic attacks
• Somatoform Disorders
• Conversion disorders now known as Functional Neurologic Disorder
• Irrational Anger and emotional regulation difficulties
• Stress resulting in insomnia, Obesity
• Chronic pain from Fibromyalgia etc

CBT sessions typically last for 8 to 12 sessions. The first session is the evaluation session and may last for over an hour. During this session the therapist aims to understand the patient’s medical and social background, his or her illness, make a diagnosis and set achievable goals. Subsequent sessions are structured last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Treatment may end sooner or last longer than 8 sessions depending on the specific mental or psychological disorder. Expect to be treated with unconditional positive regard in a warm, confidential and professional environment.