What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured and time-limited psychological intervention, which targets maladaptive cognitive distortions and behaviours. As well as aims to work through emotional dysregulation, and promotes the development of adaptive coping strategies.
CBT has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various mental health-related disorders. Including but not limited to: psychosis, depression, anxiety-based disorders, and eating disorders.
Some cognitive CBT strategies include:
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Learning how to recognize automatic negative thought patterns and re-appraising situations in a less distressing manner.
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Using problem-solving skills when difficult situations arise, and creating logical and rational plans for action.
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Developing a greater sense of confidence in one's own abilities.
Some behavioural CBT strategies include:
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Relaxing one's mind and body to reduce anxiety and/or stress (i.e., mindfulness strategies).
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Using role-play to help prepare for potentially stressful situations and/or interactions with others.
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Positively reinforcing the use of healthier responses to stressful situations.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is an evidence-based treatment which aims to reduce the distress associated with psychotic symptoms and improve the quality of life of those living with psychosis. Multiple studies have shown that usage of CBTp can aid in decreasing positive symptom frequency and distress, improve negative symptom frequency, and promote functional outcomes.
Principles of CBTp:
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Helping patients make sense of their psychotic symptoms and the accompanying distress.
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Addressing the stigma associated with psychosis by normalizing patients' psychotic experiences.
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Accepting the presence of psychotic symptoms rather than attempting to stop them from occurring.
What is Group CBT?
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A short-term empirically-backed approach.
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Based off of both scientific evidence and an understanding of the relationship between emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
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Improves participants coping skills through use of behavioural, cognitive, relational, and group procedures.
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Offers access to social support since participants are given the opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar struggles.
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Participants receive encouragement from other members in the group and may even help inspire each other to change through open discussion of shared experiences living with psychosis symptoms.