What are the key components in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is based on the idea that what we think (cognitions) and what we do (behaviours) affects the way we feel. CBT is a talking therapy that involves identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking styles and behaviours to overcome difficulties such as stress, depression and anxiety. CBT adopts a skill-based approach which supports the patient in becoming their own therapist, providing them with the skills to manage and overcome their own difficulties. The patient plays an active role in the therapy by engaging in the learning of skills during the session and practicing the skills in their own space and time between sessions. An example of a CBT intervention is Cognitive Restructuring (CR) with works to identify and challenge negative and unhelpful thinking styles such as Black and White Thinking. By challenging these types of thinking patterns and restructuring the mind to think in a more balanced and helpful way, feelings of anxiety and low mood can be alleviated.