The therapies
Print PageCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to help people manage their problems by changing how they think and act. It encourages them to talk about how they think about themselves, the world and other people and how what they do affects their thoughts and feelings.
CBT can help us see how our thoughts and behaviours relate to the way we feel, and how we can change these things to overcome problems.
CBT focuses on the problems and difficulties someone has now, rather than issues from their past. It looks for practical ways they can improve life on a daily basis.
It is has been shown to be helpful in tacking problems such as anxiety and depression.
Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy can also be delivered through a computer programme rather than as face to face therapy, where this is appropriate.
These programmes work in much the same way, using the CBT principles described above.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
All services aim to offer IPT. Interpersonal therapy focuses on how a person’s mood can influence the way that they relate to others who are close to them.
NICE recommends this type of counselling for people with depression.
(IPT) is a time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on the 'interpersonal context' (the relationships we have or have had around us) and on building 'interpersonal skills' (how we relate to and interact with other people). It is differs from other forms of therapy in its emphasis on 'interpersonal processes' (the interactions between people).
IPT aims to change our interpersonal behaviour by looking at current roles and situations where we are interacting with others. It works with difficulties arising in the daily experience of maintaining relationships and resolving difficulties while suffering an episode of e.g. depression.
Behavioural Couples Therapy
Behavioural couple therapy (BCT) focuses on how the distress both partners feel can decrease closeness and support, increase conflict and influence the course of problems such as depression.
BCT supports couples to develop ways of communicating and problem solving that benefit both of them. It can be very effective in dealing with depression.