How CBT transforms thinking in alcohol and other drug treatment
You’ve probably noticed that certain thoughts can keep your alcohol and other drug clients stuck in cycles of negative emotions and behaviours. Often, these thought patterns can feel deeply ingrained and fixed.
But with the help of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), clients can identify and challenge these unhelpful patterns and find a clear, practical path forward.
CBT was first developed in the 60s by psychiatrist Aaron Beck, who noticed that patients dealing with depression consistently had negative internal dialogues. These automatic thoughts, often distorted or exaggerated, shaped how they felt about themselves, their surroundings, and their futures.
Today, CBT stands as an umbrella term that covers a diverse array of therapeutic approaches and strategies, all rooted in the belief that to change our emotions, we first need to tackle our thoughts and behaviours.
CBT isn’t just beneficial for people managing depression or anxiety; it’s also highly effective for those struggling with alcohol and other drug issues.
By identifying and changing connections between negative thoughts, difficult emotions, and harmful behaviours, CBT helps individuals build healthier coping mechanisms. What’s more, CBT is incredibly valuable when addressing co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and PTSD.
CBT is so effective and popular because it’s short term, practical, and focused firmly on the present. It’s collaborative, highly individualised, and operates on the assumption that everyone has the ability to learn new ways of responding to life’s challenges.
At 360Edge, we're experts in CBT and passionate about helping practitioners master this essential approach.
Our acclaimed face to face masterclass, Inside CBT: A four day masterclass in behavioural and cognitive therapies, is Australia’s only in depth masterclass in cognitive behaviour therapies specially designed for people who work with clients with alcohol and other drug issues.
Walk away with practical skills that you can implement immediately:
- Deepen your understanding of the CBT approach and the similarities and differences between the many forms of CBT
- Understand what really drives motivation and change from a behavioural and cognitive therapy framework
- Apply a comprehensive CBT model that offers a clear framework for effective assessment, formulation, and intervention
- Improve CBT skills through in depth practice
- Recognise and respond to therapeutic relationship challenges within a CBT framework
With Inside CBT, you’ll gain new knowledge, advanced skills, and greater confidence in both traditional and newer behavioural and cognitive therapy models, including mindfulness based therapies.
Immerse yourself in self reflection and skill rehearsal to build on your skills in assessment, case formulation, intervention, and responding to therapeutic challenges.
Learn more or book your place in Inside CBT: A four day masterclass in behavioural and cognitive therapies here
