Cognitive Therapy was developed in the 1960s by American Psychiatrist, Aaron Beck, who discovered that his patient’s progress was inhibited by their negative and somewhat destructive thoughts.
Later developments saw the introduction of the behavioural component to treatment to improve effectiveness in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, often referred to as CBT, which remains the treatment of choice for a diverse number of problems as recommended by The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Who is Cognitive Therapy for?
Cognitive Therapy can help treat a variety of problems including Anxiety, Addictions, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gambling Problems and Sexual Problems.
How Does Cognitive Therapy Work?
Like CBT, Cognitive Therapy is based on the premise that how we think dictates how we feel and what we do. So, if we are feeling and behaving in ways that are causing us distress Cognitive Therapy will help us to look at the accuracy and helpfulness of our thoughts and make adjustments here if appropriate. Unlike CBT however, Cognitive Therapy does not actively focus on changing behaviours in line with any adjustments made to thinking patterns, it assumes that these will just happen as a natural consequence.
I had a course of CBT Counselling with The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group (Richmond) and although it didn’t provide me with the quick fix miracle solution I was hoping for, it has made my problems feel more manageable.
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Fees
Prices can be found on our Fees page.
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Locations
We have clinics in Richmond, Liverpool Street, Clapham, Marylebone, Fulham, Islington, Twickenham, Chiswick, and East Dulwich.
We also offer Online Counselling via Video.
Therapists
All of our Therapists offer Counselling, click here to view the team.
View our live diary and book an appointment online.
What the Research into Cognitive Therapy Says
Research demonstrates greater outcomes for patients with depression who are treated with Cognitive Therapy compared to treatment with pharmacotherapy and behaviour therapy. Additionally, research into Cognitive Therapy for substance abuse patients found effective outcomes as a result of Cognitive Therapy creating successful engagement, goal forming, problem solving techniques, ability to handle emotions, redirect behaviours and develop a healthier lifestyle for the patient. However Cognitive Therapy remains less effective than Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
More Reading on this Subject
For more information, see The Counselling Directory – Cognitive Therapy
Also, see the Royal College of Psychiatrists information on CBT.
Recommended Books:
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