The CBTs are a group of scientifically validated methods which involve cognitive, behavioural and emotional work. The CBT are different from other therapies through the collaborative relationship which bonds the patient to the therapist. They are based on correcting negative thoughts (or cognitions) and learning new appropriate behaviours.

It is a concrete approach which uses appropriate objectives and strategies for the patient allowing the patient’s progress to be assessed regularly.

It is an active method in which the patient invests through carrying out exercises.

It is an interactive method in which the patient becomes an expert in his/her condition through therapeutic education.

Our behaviours interact with emotions and cognitions (thoughts), the CBT work on these 3 components:

EMOTIONS
It is not the situation which creates the emotion but the interpretation we make of it. The CBT help awareness and identification of emotions in order to manage these.

BEHAVIOURS
Dysfunctional/inappropriate behaviours have been learned in some contexts and then maintained by the environment and by negative emotions (psychological distress such as anxiety, aggression and depression).

COGNITIONS
Cognitions are automatic thoughts which make up the internal dialogue. They are often rigid and give rise to emotions and behaviours. They hinder our relationships, altering the direction of our life, our self-esteem adaptation and progress.

The “Socrates question” “gradual exposure” to anxiety-producing stimuli (“systematic desensitisation”) and reinforcement are some of the main techniques. There is however, a large number of other solutions in C.B.T. which are all based on two fundamental postulates, always in cooperation with the person who is consulting:

1. changing one or more behaviours using environmental factors (external) and cognitive factors (thoughts, beliefs, ideas);
2. systematically assessing the effects of each intervention.