Welcome to the AACBT- The WA AACBT Branch Website | Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a relatively short term, focused approach to the treatment of many types of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric problems. The application of CBT varies according to the problem being addressed, but is essentially a collaborative and individualised program that helps individuals to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and learn or relearn healthier skills and habits. CBT has been practised widely for more than 30 years. It has been research extensively, and has demonstrated effectiveness with a variety of emotional difficulties.

What can I expect from CBT?

CBT examines all elements that maintain a problem, including our thoughts (cognitions), feelings, behaviour and the environment. It is a structured therapy, which involves a partnership between you and your therapist. You are fully involved in planning your treatment and the therapist will always let you know what is happening. Usually you will have a thorough assessment in the first session or two. Each session will involve discussion, explanation and practice of skills and techniques. Often you will be required to practice those techniques in between sessions.

Does CBT work?

CBT is one of the most established and researched psychological therapies for emotional, psychological and psychiatric dysfunction. For some problems, such as anxiety and depression, CBT is as effective as medication and can also enhance the effects of medication. In particular, CBT has demonstrated effectiveness with individuals experiencing the following problems:

• Generalised anxiety
  
• Panic
  
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  
• Phobias
  
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  
• Depression
  
• Eating disorders
  
• Brain Injury
  
• Somatic Disorders
  
• Sexual Dysfunction
  
• Couples/marital problems
  
• Social Anxiety
  
• Anger and Stress Management
  
• Child Anxiety Disorders and Child Depression 
  
• Child behaviour problems
  
  

CBT has been extensively investigated in rigorous clinical trials and has empirical support. For example, The Australian Psychological Society (APS), has recently published practioner guidance identifying CBT as having a strong evidence base for a range of psychological and emotional problems. Broadly, CBT has evidenced the following outcomes:

• CBT is compatible with a range other treatments that you might receive such as medication or supportive counselling.
  
• Because the individual is actively involved in their treatment they are more likely to stick with it.
  
• Because CBT is flexible and individualised, it can be adapted to a wide range of individuals and a variety of settings.
  
• The client can keep using what they have learned in therapy to approach other problems in life.
  

How long does therapy take? 

A typical CBT program could last anywhere between 5 and 20 weeks depending on the problem, the client and the therapist. In some cases, you can expect to see an improvement in just a few weeks; however, it might take longer if your problem is very entrenched.

Who can provide CBT? 

CBT sounds like quite a simple therapy, but it takes a skilful therapist to be effective. Currently there is no formal accreditation for practising CBT, however, the AACBT National Executive is working towards an accreditation system. Most professionals using CBT (i.e. Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Nurses etc) should be registered with their relevant professional registration board, which oversees professional training and competence.