The Cognitive Behavioural Approach

The cognitive behavioural approach can be applied to better understand people's thoughts, feelings and behaviours regarding their illness. Using a straightforward five areas approach it is possible to build a picture of patient experience and to demonstrate to them, patterns of thinking or behaving that they are engaging in. This acts as a starting point for change. Applying the principles of collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness, health professionals can use the cognitive behavioural approach to understand and work with their patient's perspective in order to help them to better manage their illness.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a well recognised and successful treatment method for emotional difficulties and has a strong evidence base for its effectiveness. Government NICE guidelines recommend it as a form of treatment for many emotional problems. Essentially it helps people to understand how their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are related to coping with emotional difficulties. In CBT, the therapist and individual work together to understand the emotional difficulty presented, working on a 'here and now' basis. A central part of therapy is to practise the skills learned in session and to feedback at subsequent sessions.