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What is CBT?

CBT is an intervention that takes a practical, task based approach to solving problems. The focus of CBT is to address symptoms while they are present and to learn skills and techniques that can be used in the ongoing improvement of mental health. It is a psycho-educational approach that teaches clients to apply methods and techniques and effectively become their own therapists by understanding and managing their thinking (cognitive), feelings (emotions), and actions (behaviour).

The aim is to assess the negative thoughts a person is having about themselves, and their view of the world, and to replace them with more positive and constructive thoughts and behaviours. By addressing the thoughts and behaviours which contribute to the development and maintenance of problems, CBT seeks to offer a holistic approach to mental health care.

Why is CBT so popular?

One of the reasons CBT is so well-known and widely used is because it has been studied so extensively. It is known to be an evidence-based technique that aims to produce clear, measurable changes in thoughts and behaviours. CBT can be used for a variety of undiagnosed or diagnosed condition such as phobias, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and ADHD, to relational problems like poor communication.

Is CBT for you?

Cognitive behaviour therapy is suitable for people looking for a short-term treatment option for certain types of emotional distress that does not necessarily involve pharmacological intervention. CBT is often best suited for clients who are more comfortable with a structured and focused approach in which the therapist often takes an instructional role. One of the greatest benefits of cognitive behaviour therapy is that it helps clients develop coping skills that can be useful both now and in the future. However, for CBT to be effective, the individual must be ready and willing to spend time and effort analyzing his or her thoughts and feelings. Such self-analysis and homework can be difficult, but it is a great way to learn more about how internal states impact outward behaviour.

If you are going through difficulties and need support, why not give us a call today?  Our team of highly skilled and well-experienced Psychologists are here to help.  

References

Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression: Causes and treatment. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

Tolin DF. Is cognitive-behavioral therapy more effective than other therapies? A meta-analytic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2010;30:710–20.

This blog was written by Aanchal Sood, Psychologist at Your Mind Matters. Aanchal completed studies in psychopharmacology and psychology in England, and is fluent in both Hindi and Punjabi. Aanchal has experience assisting adolescents, adults and couples to address a variety of difficulties including anxiety and mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma and stress related disorders, adjustment issues (e.g. cultural adjustment), sleep difficulties, relationship difficulties, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, obsessive compulsive and related disorders.  Aanchal works with us 1-2 evenings per week.

When seeing a psychologist, you may wonder what information remains confidential. Psychologists are bound by ethical guidelines, the APS Code of Ethics, and this includes protecting a client’s privacy by not disclosing the content of therapy.

There are some limits to confidentiality, which means that the psychologist will need to breach your privacy in situations where:

• There are concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of others
• Your information is subpoenaed by a court of law
• There is a legal obligation to do so, i.e. you disclose information regarding involvement or knowledge of a criminal offense/police investigation that has not been brought to the attention of the police.

Confidentiality and minors

As minors are not able to consent to psychological treatment, consent is provided by a parent or legal guardian. The psychologist may ask the parent/legal guardian for permission to keep the content of psychology sessions confidential. This is done to ensure the psychologist and minor can establish rapport and trust, because not having this trust can be detrimental to treatment. The psychologist will provide parents/legal guardians with information that is important for them to know, including if their child is at risk, treatment goals and general progress.

Releasing information to other individuals

In situations where you would like your psychologist to discuss your treatment with a family member, other health professional or third party, you are required to authorise consent. This is best done in written form so there is a clear understanding between you and your psychologist as to what information you consent to being disclosed and what you would like to remain confidential. Be mindful about asking a family member to call and enquire about your appointments because if there has been no authorised consent provided, your psychologist and the administration team will be unable to confirm that you are attending counselling. This is done in the effort to protect your confidentiality. 

What happens if I bump into my psychologist outside of the clinic?

Your psychologist will not only keep the content of your sessions confidential, they will also ensure that the fact you are engaged in counselling remains private. It is to your own discretion that you let others know of your therapy sessions, however your psychologist will continue to maintain your privacy even when you are no longer engaged in psychological treatment. Seeing your psychologist outside of the psychology clinic can be unsettling for some individuals as they may not have anticipated an outside interaction. Rest assured that your psychologist will conduct themselves in a professional manner and will maintain your privacy. For this reason, your psychologist will not approach you or engage in a conversation. This is not to be rude, however to ensure your privacy is maintained. If you choose to greet your psychologist, this is your choice but is not necessary. In the context of workplace situations, where your psychologist may be a customer (e.g. in a retail setting) it is best to continue the interaction as per usual and do not feel the need to engage in conversation…treat them like you would any customer. If you feel uncomfortable about the interaction and would like to debrief, feel free to contact your psychologist to discuss. Your psychologist will check-in with you at your next session to ensure you were feeling comfortable following the interaction.

Here at Your Mind Matters Psychology Services, we take your confidentiality seriously. Your psychologist can answer any questions or concerns you may have about confidentiality.

About the Author:

This blog was written by Maria Kampantais, psychologist at Your Mind Matters Psychology Services. She works with us 4 days per week (day and evening sessions) and is passionate about working with clients suffering from various anxiety disorders.