Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological therapy. It
is not a unitary approach, but instead has evolved through a range of
approaches that share a common underpinning model of cognition (thought)
and behaviour being important in understanding and alleviating
psychological distress. While the earliest approaches focused on
modifying observable behaviour, later versions emphasized cognitive
processes. Most recently, the third wave approaches in CBT have moved
the focus away from the content of an individual's thoughts to their
relationship with their thoughts, and the processes underlying thinking.
This Very Short Introduction gives an overview of what CBT is, where
it came from, what it does, and when it can be used. It explores how one
of the driving forces behind CBT's success and continued adaptation has
been its basis in empiricism, and analyses how it must continue to
evolve to meet future challenges. Looking to the future, Freda McManus
also discusses how the scale of mental health problems and relative
costs of traditional therapy formats have prompted investigations into
alternative formats of CBT that have the potential to reach broader
audiences, globally. She also considers the challenges of scale in
training the workforce required to roll out such interventions, as well
as those of determining the best ways of monitoring their competence and
effectiveness.
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