elevate psychologists sydney

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What is CBT?

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their mental health concerns.

CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing one can lead to changes in the others. In CBT, the therapist works collaboratively with the patient to identify and challenge negative or distorted thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, and to develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.

CBT typically involves structured, time-limited sessions that focus on specific goals and techniques. Some common techniques used in CBT include cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, exposure therapy, and relaxation training.

CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders, among others. It is a widely used and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy.

How does Elevate Psychologists use CBT?

Elevate Psychologists Sydney can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their mental health concerns. CBT is a structured, time-limited therapy that is typically conducted over several sessions.

The following are some of the ways psychologists use CBT in their treatment of patients:

  1. Assessment: The psychologist conducts an assessment to identify the patient’s specific symptoms and the underlying thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to them.


  2. Psychoeducation: The psychologist educates the patient about CBT and how it can help them. The patient learns about the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.


  3. Collaborative Goal Setting: The psychologist and patient collaborate to set specific, measurable goals that the patient wants to achieve through therapy.


  4. Identifying Negative Thoughts: The psychologist helps the patient identify negative thoughts that contribute to their symptoms.


  5. Challenging Negative Thoughts: The psychologist helps the patient challenge and reframe their negative thoughts using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive restructuring.


  6. Behavioral Activation: The psychologist helps the patient identify and engage in positive behaviors that can improve their mood and functioning.


  7. Exposure Therapy: In cases of anxiety disorders or phobias, the psychologist may use exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared object or situation while using CBT techniques to manage their anxiety.


  8. Homework Assignments: The psychologist assigns homework that involves practicing CBT techniques outside of therapy sessions to reinforce learning and build new habits.

Overall, Elevate Psychologists Sydney use CBT to help patients learn how to identify and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors, and to develop more adaptive coping strategies that improve their mental health and well-being.