Why CBT Didn't Work For You Before: A Psychologist Explains
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has gained significant recognition as a scientifically supported talking therapy treatment for anxiety, trauma, and many other mental health conditions. However, the effectiveness of CBT hinges on appropriate specialist training, strong therapeutic skills, and most importantly, the quality of the therapeutic relationship. When done right, CBT can be a fantastic therapy option for individuals seeking to better cope with many forms of anxiety. Let's explore why CBT done right is crucial for achieving positive outcomes.
Understanding What CBT Really Is and Isn’t
CBT is underpinned by a theory of how human emotion is impacted by specific thought patterns, core beliefs, and behaviours. Over the years, in certain settings such as the NHS, CBT has been watered down to a manualised, technique driven protocol to make it cost effective to be delivered by clinicians without specialist psychology level training.
When this has been done, patients often feel like the therapy is being ‘applied’ to them in a rigid fashion without taking into account their unique needs. However, when done right, with a psychologist who has both broad level understanding of human behaviour and psychology, and specialist therapy training, CBT can be implemented the way it was always menat to. In an empathic, collaborative way that is formulation driven based on personalised insights and awareness that psychologist and patient arrive at together.
The Importance of a Skilled Psychologist
A skilled clinical psychologist plays a vital role in contributing to the success of therapy. They provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment and have specialist training in CBT specifically. A good psychologist will:
- Establish a strong therapeutic alliance: Research has demonstrated repeatedly that the type of therapy matters less than the quality of the relationship between patient and psychologist. If you experience your psychologist as being cold, bored, detached, misunderstood, or not on the same page as you about the goals of therapy, then therapy will not be successful, no matter how educated, well published, or experienced the psychologist may be
- Provide clear guidance and structure: CBT involves specific techniques and exercises that need to be practiced consistently. A skilled psychologist will guide clients through these steps, provide clear instructions, adjust the tasks depending on how effective they are, and monitor progress consistently.
- Tailor the therapy to individual needs: CBT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A good psychologist will use a broader theoretical understanding of human behaviour to direct therapy and adapt the techniques to address the specific challenges and goals of each client.
Choose a Licensed Psychologist for CBT
Clinical psychologists undergo rigorous broad and specialist training to ensure they are equipped to provide high quality therapy, including CBT. All programs are different however, and not all licensed psychologists will have similar experience and training. Doctoral level training typically involves a combination of academic coursework, supervised clinical experience, and research.
Academic Coursework
- Core Psychological Concepts: Clinical psychologists gain a solid foundation in core psychological concepts, including abnormal psychology, personality theory, and research methods.
- Multi Therapy Specific Training: They receive specialized training in multiple therapy models, including CBT. This includes learning about cognitive models, behavioral techniques, and the assessment and treatment of various mental health conditions.
- Psychopathology: Clinical psychologists study the nature, causes, and treatment of various mental health disorders, enabling them to accurately diagnose and tailor CBT to specific conditions.
Supervised Clinical Experience
- Clinical Placements and Internship: Clinical psychologists complete supervised placements in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community based settings. This hands-on experience allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical situations.
Research
- Research Methods: Clinical psychologists develop a strong understanding of research methods, enabling them to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT and contribute to the ongoing development of the field.
- Evidence-Based Practice: They learn to critically appraise research evidence and apply evidence-based practices in their clinical work. This ensures that they are using the most effective and up-to-date CBT techniques.
Continuing Education
- Lifelong Learning: Clinical psychologists are committed to lifelong learning and professional development. They attend conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses to stay updated on the latest developments in CBT and related fields.
Wanting to Give CBT Another Chance?
Now that the record has been set straight on distinguishing cost effective CBT protocols from the real richness of CBT as a comprehensive therapy approach, maybe you’re wanting to give it another go.
If you’re ready to take the next step, then please complete the contact form on our website and someone will be in touch with you soon to get started!
