BCT- General view
Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy is a psychological approach based on scientific principles and which research has shown to be effective for a wide range of problems. Clients and therapists work together to identify and understand problems in terms of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The approach usually focuses on difficulties a person is confronted with in here and now, and relies on the therapist and client developing a shared view of the individual's problem. This leads to an individualised, time-limited therapy, whose goals and strategies are continually monitored and evaluated. Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists work with individuals, families and groups in order to help anyone irrespective of ability, culture, race, gender or sexual preference.
Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists are usually health professionals such as nurses, psychologists, doctors, social workers, counsellors etc. In Romania only psychologists and doctors can become Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists by the law.
BCT simply put
Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy (BCT) is an approach meant to help people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. The basis of CBT is that what people think affects how they feel emotionally and also alters what they do.
During times of mental distress the way persons see and judge themselves is modified and the way things and events are perceived as altere. Things tend to become more extreme and unhelpful. This can worsen how the person feels and make them act in ways that maintain their distress.
Here is an example of how our thoughts, feelings and behaviour can affect us:
'Sue was nearly asleep and by the time she managed to pick up the phone it had stopped ringing. She had been suffering from anxiety and depression for some time. Her daughter Liz, who had recently moved to London, immediately came to mind. Sue thought: "Something must have happened to Liz! That was the police calling to inform me that Liz has had a serious accident." She felt her stomach churning and her heart pounding at the thought that something could have happened to Liz. Her thoughts raced uncontrollably and she feared she could be losing her mind. She rang Liz's home number several times but there was no reply. Sue took this as further evidence that something bad had happened to Liz. Sue felt so panicky that she stayed up all night, despite taking extra medication. She felt dreadful thinking of all the things that could have happened and even thought of ringing some of the London hospitals. Sue found out from Liz the next morning that she had stayed the night at one of her friends' houses and was fine. Nevertheless, she remained distressed and unsettled and felt unable to go to work.'
CBT practitioners aim to work jointly with the person to help them begin to identify and then change their disfunctional thinking and unhelpful behaviour. By doing this, the result is a significant improvement in how the person feels and lives their day to day life.
What happens in BCT?
In behavioural and cognitive Therapy the therapist and the client work together to:
• develop a shared understanding of the client's problem.
• identify how these affect the client's thoughts, behaviours, feelings and daily functioning.
Based on the understanding of each client's individual problems the therapist and the client will then work together to identify goals and to agree to a shared treatment plan. The focus of therapy is to enable the client to generate solutions to their problems that are more helpful than their present ways of coping. This often involves the client using the time between therapy sessions to try things out.
Therapy is organised over an agreed number of sessions. The number of sessions needed will differ depending on the nature and severity of a client's problem. Typically, sessions are weekly, last an hour and take place over a period of between 10 to 15 sessions, but this can be significantly shorter or longer. After treatment completion client and therapist usually agree to a limited number of follow-up sessions to maintain the progress achieved.
What sort of problems can BCT help with?
Research on behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy has been carried out extensively. This has shown it to be an effective form of therapy, particularly for the following:
• Anxiety & Panic Attacks
• Phobias (e.g. agoraphobia, social phobia)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Eating problems
• Sexual and relationship problems
• Child and adolescent problems
• General Health problems
• Chronic Pain
• Habit problems (e.g. tics)
• Anger
• Drug or Alcohol problems
• Schizophrenia and Psychosis
• Problems associated with a learning disability
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Sleep Disorders
Individual leaflets are available from the RABCT about many of the above problems.
Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication, depending on the severity or nature of each client's problem.
How do I find a behavioural and cognitive therapist?
A good starting point is often to talk to your General Practitioner or with a psychiatrist about your problems. Most of them know psychotherapists who are trained to use the approach. It is important that you are referred to a therapist who has been properly trained in the use of behavioural and cognitive therapy.
You have to consider that there may be a waiting time for therapy.
Sometimes you may need to find a therapist on your own. If you do this, it is important that you ensure your therapist is properly qualified, receives regular supervision and has appropriate training. You can contact RABCT for advice on the local practitioners.
A directory, which lists approved and qualified Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists, is maintained by the Romanian Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy (RABCT).
