Exploring the ways we think and behave.
Behavioural therapies are based on the idea that we can change our thoughts or behaviour to help us overcome challenges. This type of therapy is helpful if you are struggling with behaviours which affect your health or cause you distress. The therapy will focus on current difficulties, and what you can do to move forward.
Counsellors see behaviours as something we learn throughout our lives. That means we can re-learn old behaviours, or find new ones that help us.
This type of therapy can be particularly helpful if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, obsessive behaviours or addiction.
Types of behavioural therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps us see how our thoughts, emotions and behaviours all affect each other. CBT looks at learnt behaviours, habits and negative thought patterns. It shows us how to change these in helpful ways.
CBT counsellors work with people to set realistic goals and make positive changes, such as learning coping skills.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a bit like CBT, but has more focus on our emotions and how we interact with others. DBT uses things like self-acceptance and mindfulness.
This type of therapy can be helpful if you have difficulty with managing emotions. It can be helpful with things like substance use, self harm, or difficulties around eating (sometimes called ‘eating disorders’ or ‘disordered eating.’)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This type of therapy helps us accept things that are outside our personal control. That makes it easier to do things that will improve our lives.
This therapy aims to help you move forward through difficult emotions. That helps you to put your energy into healing, and positive change.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
CAT therapy helps counsellors understand why a person feels, thinks and behaves the way they do. The counsellor will look at past events in your life. You can then work together to find ways to move forward. You can also find new ways of coping with the things you are finding difficult.