What happens in a CBT session?
CBT sessions have a structure. At the beginning of the therapy, you will meet with the therapist to describe specific problems and to set goals you want to work towards.
When you have agreed what problems you want to focus on and what your goals are, you start planning the sessions and discuss how to deal with your problems. At the beginning of a session, you and the therapist, will jointly decide on the main areas you wish to work on that week. You will also be given time to discuss any issues from previous session. With CBT you are also given things to work on outside the session that you have planned with your therapist (“homework”)
CBT teaches you to identify your thoughts, moods, behaviors, and physical reactions in small situations as well as during major events.
CBT teaches you skills that are necessary to make fundamental changes in your moods, behaviors, and relationships.
The importance of structure
This structure helps to use the therapeutic time efficiently. It also makes sure that important information is not missed out (the results of the homework, for instance) and that both you and the therapist have a chance to think about any new issues that follow on from the session.
What is CBT