Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that can help you to manage any psychological difficulties you may be having. It works by breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller parts and changing the way you think and respond to situations/issues. It focuses on current issues rather than things from the past and can be helpful if you suffer from anxiety or low mood.
It is based on the concept that thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are all interconnected and that negative thoughts can trap you in a vicious cycle. By learning to change these negative thoughts you can improve how you feel and react.
If you feel this may be useful for you, you can ask your GP to refer you or you can self-refer if you prefer. Please see links below for referring yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service.
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/
Further information about CBT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It uses Acceptance and Mindfulness processes to help you focus on the here and now. It concentrates on what your values are and how to reconnect with them, trying to help you manage or ‘unhook’ yourself from any unhelpful thoughts that may be impacting upon your actions and taking you further away from your values and goals. Its aim is to enable you to do more of what matters to you and have the most fulfilling life you can, despite having difficulties along the way.
It can be a useful approach to help manage anxiety, pain and depression.
“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf”
Below are some useful tools and advice about ACT and mindfulness:
- https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act
- https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/services/community-services/pain-management-service/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act.aspx
- ACT myself – online self help/emotional wellbeing tool https://www.actmyself.co.uk/
- Passengers on the bus Link – an ACT metaphor
- Leaves on a Stream’ Exercise Link