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New Thinking Questions Gold Standard Status for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

I want to be very clear here. CBT still must be seen as a powerful, useful therapeutic approach that has helped many, many people. But it is not THE answer to psychological suffering, just an answer. It fits some people, not others. And this is as it should be. Patient preference based on the specific conditions of their life circumstance and personal style should determine choice of therapy, not an apparently undeserved reputation of one treatment as a “gold standard.” But the fact remains; CBT works, just not better than other things that work. It’s different, not better.

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Featured

 CBT is wrong in how it understands mental illness

Although there is evidence for CBT’s effectiveness, the evidence for its theory, particularly its understanding of mental illness, is far more mixed. To put it another way, we know that CBT works, but we are not sure how or why it works.

 Psychologists are calling upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat insomnia, so here are the CBT techniques to help you sleep

But as great as a relaxing bath is, the causes of poor sleep can sometimes run far deeper than day to day stress and without professional intervention, insomnia can persist for years. As well as talking therapies, psychologists are turning to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to try and help alleviate sleeplessness.

Previously Featured

Explainer: what is cognitive behaviour therapy?

If you or someone you care about experience an emotional problem it won’t be long before you hear that cognitive behaviour therapy, or CBT, is probably the treatment of choice. Research over the last 40 years or so has found CBT to be helpful for all manner of problems, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, anger, sexual problems, and the list goes on. But what exactly is it?

Has Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Had Its Day as a Treatment for Depression in the UK?

With more Brits than ever turning to antidepressants, some experts see the death knell ringing for the treatment.

How CBT Harmed Me: The Interview That the New York Times Erased

In August, I was contacted by a reporter writing an article for the New York Times on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment for chronic pain. They had seen a Twitter thread I wrote that criticized CBT, calling out the harm it can do to chronically ill and disabled people like me, especially when it’s used to treat chronic pain and trauma.

How Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Help Suicidal People

In C.B.T., clear steps are intended to help build hope, solve problems and make a plan to avoid relapses.

The New Way To Prevent Anxiety in Kids

At-risk children are usually taught social skills and how to approach the situations (asking another kid to play, doing show-and-tell) they already fear. This “exposure” is the main component of cognitive behavioral therapy, the most evidence-based non-drug treatment for anxiety disorders. The research is still in its early stages, and it could be years before the programs are widely available to families, but some results are encouraging.

Therapy Is Great, but I Still Need Medication

Please don’t tell me I just need to try cognitive behavioral therapy.

Thinking Thin: A Cognitive-Therapy Approach

Many people find that when they stick with a diet — any diet — it works. But studies show that most of us can't make ourselves stick to a diet long-term. Now, there is growing focus on behavioral tricks to help people change the way they think about food and eating.

What Are the Different Types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

All types of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are based on the cognitive model of emotional response. This model conveys that how you feel and behave is based on your thoughts, not external stimuli. Different types of CBT can help you recognize and change negative or destructive thought patterns as they arise. By working towards consistently changing these thought patterns, you can have a more positive outlook on life.

Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is the Current Gold Standard of Psychotherapy

Taking into account the number of publications/studies, academic programs, and/or practicing professionals, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is arguably the gold standard of the psychotherapy field. However, recently, some colleagues have argued for plurality in psychotherapy, questioning the status of CBT as the gold standard in psychotherapy.

‘It gave me an ability to enjoy life’: readers on cognitive behavioural therapy

Two people tell us about their experiences with CBT and how it changed their lives.

‘It gave me an ability to enjoy life’: readers on cognitive behavioural therapy

Two people tell us about their experiences with CBT and how it changed their lives.

Resources

9 Things You Should Know About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

You’ve probably heard of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the evidence-based psychotherapy treatment method focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It seems to be mentioned in nearly every self-help article online: Sleep problems? Try CBT. Childhood trauma? CBT may help. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, fear of flying, hangnails? CBT is the answer for you.

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Welcome to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). For over 50 years, ABCT and its members have strived to alleviate human suffering through the application of scientific principles.

StatPearls

In the 1960s, Aaron Beck developed cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or cognitive therapy. Since then, it has been extensively researched and found to be effective in a large number of outcome studies for psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders. It also has been demonstrated to be effective as an adjunctive treatment to medication for serious mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.