The availability of online therapy gives therapists a chance to reach out to more patients safely and effectively, a study said. The study found that self-directed cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) can be very effective in reducing both anxiety and depression, especially when the treatments used CBT techniques. It added that self-therapy can be an economical and more practical solution for less serious cases.
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Is online CBT any good?
Key Takeaways. Internet cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) services can be effective, but it is not always the best choice for the treatment of severe depression. The availability of online therapy gives therapists a chance to reach out to more patients safely and effectively. Many studies have found that self-directed CBT can be very effective. Two reviews that each included over 30 studies (see references below) found that self-help treatment significantly reduced both anxiety and depression, especially when the treatments used CBT techniques. Most experts recommend that people with moderate to severe depression are treated with a combination of CBT and antidepressants. However, if you’re unable or unwilling to take antidepressants, you have the option of receiving CBT on its own. CBT helps you understand your thoughts and behaviour, and how they affect you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Psychotherapy In a nutshell: psychotherapy tends to cover a broad range of therapy options, including CBT, and provides improvements with consistent sessions over the longer term. CBT, on the other hand, is a type of psychotherapy that is typically used in the short-term. Can You Do Self-Therapy and Does it Work? Self-therapy is absolutely something that you can practice on your own to work on anxiety or depression; without needing to become accredited or attain a formal qualification. In fact, it can be an economical and more practical solution for less serious cases. Self-help, self-therapy, or self-directed therapy can include the use of different tools and strategies. These resources may help you explore thoughts and emotions, develop coping skills, and boost your emotional health.
Can I do CBT online free?
It is possible to do CBT on your own through self-help courses. However, it is important that these are provided by reputable, trusted organisations. Our online courses are completely free to access and delivered by NHS therapists, helping you to understand your problems and build on the coping skills you use. Some of the disadvantages of CBT to consider include: you need to commit yourself to the process to get the most from it – a therapist can help and advise you, but they need your co-operation. attending regular CBT sessions and carrying out any extra work between sessions can take up a lot of your time. Due to the structured nature of CBT, it may not be suitable for people with more complex mental health needs or learning difficulties. As CBT can involve confronting your emotions and anxieties, you may experience initial periods where you are more anxious or emotionally uncomfortable. CBT aims to stop negative cycles such as these by breaking down things that make you feel bad, anxious or scared. By making your problems more manageable, CBT can help you change your negative thought patterns and improve the way you feel.