Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has been widely used in the treatment of various mental health problems in children and young people. CBT is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health issues in young people. The main goal of CBT is to help children and young people change the way they think and behave, which in turn helps them to manage their emotions and reduce symptoms of mental health problems.

CBT is a highly structured and practical form of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT involves teaching children and young people to identify and change negative and irrational thoughts, as well as teaching them coping skills and problem-solving strategies. CBT sessions usually last between 50 and 60 minutes and are typically delivered once a week. The therapy usually lasts between 6 and 20 sessions, depending on the individual needs of the child or young person.

One of the main benefits of CBT is that it is an active form of therapy that encourages children and young people to participate in their own recovery. CBT helps children and young people to develop new skills and ways of thinking, which they can then apply in their everyday life. This helps to empower children and young people and promote a sense of control and autonomy.

For example, a young person who is experiencing anxiety may be taught how to challenge and change negative thoughts related to their anxiety. They may also be taught how to manage their breathing and relaxation techniques to help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Over time, the young person will learn how to apply these skills in their everyday life and to manage their anxiety in a more effective way.

CBT has been shown to be highly effective in reducing symptoms of poor mental health in children and young people. A systematic review of studies on the effectiveness of CBT for children and young people with depression found that CBT was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in approximately 70% of participants (Weisz, et al., 2005). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of CBT for children and young people with anxiety disorders found that CBT was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in approximately 80% of participants (Compton, et al., 2015).

In conclusion, CBT is a highly effective form of therapy for children and young people who experience poor mental health. CBT helps children and young people to identify and change negative and irrational thoughts, as well as teaching them coping skills and problem-solving strategies. CBT has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health issues in young people.

References:

Compton, S. N., March, J. S., Brent, D. A., Albano, A. M., Weersing, V. R., & Curry, J. (2015). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents: an evidence-based medicine review. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 54(1), 41-52.

Weisz, J. R., Weiss, B., Han, S. S., Granger, D. A., & Morton, T. (2005). Evidence-based youth psychotherapies versus usual clinical care: A meta-analysis of direct comparisons. American Psychological Association, 60(2), 133-144.