The vast majority of people who are experiencing emotional, behavioural or psychological problems can benefit from CBT. This is determined by an initial assessment procedure facilitated by an experienced and qualified psychotherapist. 

The assessment process is crucial to introducing the cognitive model and beginning of therapy. Importantly, this is not a judgemental process but a vital opportunity for both psychotherapist and client to share relevant information.

 

As with most effective therapies the key component to the process is establishing a “therapeutic alliance” with the therapist-more simply effective CBT is about “team work”, where client and therapist work in collaboration in resolving the clients’ issues.

Consequently, suitability for CBT is a two-way process whereby both client and therapist will have certain criteria to satisfy for the therapy to be successful.

 

Not everybody will be suitable for CBT but the following criteria and guidelines may be helpful in establishing suitability:

 

Do you accept personal responsibility for recovery or the satisfactory resolution of your issue(s)/problem(s)?

 

Do you have a degree of awareness about your issue(s) in the wider context of your life?

or can you distinguish different emotions?

 

Can you access “automatic” thoughts (a train of thought that constantly “pops up”)?

 

Do you understand the rationale of cognitive behavioural therapy (e.g. looked up the CBT on the internet or self-help material)

 

Are you optimistic about the possibility of change through therapy?

 

Do you think and feel that you could make a good enough relationship with the therapist?

 

Are you able to concentrate sufficiently on the issue(s) that concern you?

 

Can you “measure” the severity of your issue(s) in an objective way?

 

CBT is an active process and won’t be suitable for everyone. However, it offers great flexibility and can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs. Therefore, if you feel that CBT would be an attractive option after considering the above criteria, arranging an appointment for assessment, would be an essential first step.