alexanderpractice@fsmail.net
	CBT can be used for help with the relief from many presenting problems, such as:                                                                           Insomnia                                                             Panic disorder Anxiety states Confidence and nervousness Weight issues Depression both uni-polar and bi-polar Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia Relationship concerns, including jealousy Mood swings Anger management Stress OCD, and many other mental health issues. Aaron T Beck, regarded as the founder of modern cognitive behavioural therapies described CBT as a structured therapy working to a particular design which engages the patient’s participation and collaboration. Since the potential client is usually initially in a confused, preoccupied or distracted state, I will work with you to enable relaxation, organising your thinking and behaviour in order to help you cope with the requirements of everyday living. It is vitally important however to be aware that the client must become actively engaged in the various therapeutic exercises. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy addresses the feelings of hopelessness that accompany many disorders. Cognitive therapy changes the pessimistic ideas, unrealistic expectations, and overly critical self-evaluations that create these feelings of hopelessness and being out of control and sustain it. Cognitive therapy therefore helps the client recognise which life problems are critical and which are minor. It also helps him / her to develop positive life goals, and a more positive self – assessment. Problem solving therapy changes the areas of the person’s life that are creating significant stress, and contributing to the way they are feeling and behaving. This may require behavioural therapy to develop better coping skills or interpersonal therapy to assist in solving relationship problems. At first glance, this may seem like several different therapies being used to treat the ailment(s). However, all of these interventions are used as part of a cognitive treatment approach. Frequently around 8-10 sessions of CBT will be needed. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a flexible approach in changing negative or rigid ways of thinking and feeling. It is not the events themselves, purely the meaning a person gives to them. Negative / anxious thought patterns that build over time, become a belief system and fail to change. By identifying these negative or distorted perceptions I will work with you to evaluate and change the way you are thinking and ultimately feeling. Because this therapy is pertaining to a client's individual needs, and focuses on their negative / anxious thought patterns and processes, they will learn to become more flexible and able to accept and adapt new cognitive skills. CBT therefore encourages better coping skills and strategies and, more importantly, well into the future, creates and maintains a significantly reduced relapse rate. For the cognitive behavioural sessions I will devise a plan of action involving therapy in surgery and by providing homework for the client, which is particularly important, as the client is encouraged to participate in their own therapy regime. Their dysfunctional way of thinking is often habitual, 24 hours a day, therefore it is essential they record and even change these thinking patterns during this time. This therapeutic structure is valuable, so the client recognises that there is valuable support and a plan of action in progress. This in turn leads to a successful outcome. Feedback at the beginning of each therapy session, such as what has worked and what has not, is vital. The emphasis is on collaborating together and to experiment and explore different ways for the individual client to overcome their difficulties. As the defined maladaptive cognitions are explored and identified by me, a flexible approach can be incorporated during the session, which leads to a quicker recovery rate. For a confidential discussion or enquiry, please call Geoffrey Schofield on Derby (01332) 544412 (24 hours) or e mail alexanderpractice@fsmail.net . Please note, that when with clients I cannot be disturbed, so if you are met by answering machine at any time please leave me a brief message and I will return your call as soon as possible.