Out & About Spring 2018

DR JANA JENKINS - MENTAL HEALTH

Talking therapy DR JANA JENKINS explains what cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

R esearch evidence endorsed by the National depression and anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, health anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, long- term medical conditions, chronic fatigue and insomnia. CBT looks at how we think about a situation and how this affects the way we feel and act. When we feel low or anxious, we may think or behave Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) indicates that CBT works effectively in treating in an unhelpful way, which exacerbates the intensity of our feelings and we may feel worse as a result. Therefore, changing the way we think and behave can have a positive effect on our mood. Cognitive behaviour therapists help clients to identify unhelpful thoughts by asking them what is going through their minds. Many people are more likely to be aware of their mood and physical symptoms, rather than what they are thinking, while others are not attuned to their bodies, but can capture their thoughts and feelings. CBT teaches clients to understand triggers and how thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms and behaviours interact with each other. CBT also tends to focus on the here and now, instead of looking at your past. However, it is useful to make links Let’s talk The Key to Hope. Change. Empowerment

between the past and present to help clients understand why they formed certain beliefs. For example, if you have been growing up with a critical parent or have been bullied at school, it is understandable that you may have a core belief that you are ‘not good enough’. From my clinical experience, clients like CBT because it is practical and collaborative in reaching therapeutic goals. It involves homework assignments between sessions to maximise the effectiveness of therapy. For example, your therapist may ask you to keep a diary or do a behavioural experiment – such as asking you to test your anxious predictions about something you feel afraid to do. The ultimate aim of CBT is to teach you You can find free CBT resources online – visit getselfhelp.co.uk Furthermore, CBT-based self-help books are available to purchase or borrow from your library. It is useful to know that CBT can be used in conjunction with anti-depressant medications prescribed by your GP. I work with many clients who find both modes of treatment helpful. If you feel that CBT may be helpful for you, discuss it with your GP who can refer you, or you can self-refer. how to become your own CBT therapist and work out your own strategies for tackling problems. It is designed to empower clients to have control over their difficulties.

CBT teaches clients to understand triggers and how thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms and behaviours interact with each other.

Stress • Depression • Self-esteem • Trauma • Anxiety • Bereavement Divorce • Suicidal thoughts • Relationships • Gender & Sexuality Addiction • Anger management • OCD • Phobias • Panic attacks Family issues • Eating disorders • Emotional & physical abuse Career • Low mood • Self harm • Infertility

Adults, young people and children Couples and families Workshops and therapy groups Trainees and supervision Range of prices £35.00 – £90.00 per session If you’d like to book an appointment or have any questions, please call on 07544 752 667 or email us at enquiries@keytherapyassociates.co.uk We are also happy to set up an initial free consultation. You can find out more about us and our services at www.keytherapyassociates.co.uk Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you are feeling, talking through what’s going on with a professional can help. We are a dedicated team of counsellors, cognitive behavioural therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Whatever you’d like to talk about, we are here to listen.

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