At BlueSkies all of our Counsellors are qualified and experienced in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT). This talking therapy is very useful in helping individuals to change their thinking and subsequent actions. Underlying addiction and dysfunctional behaviour, is the individuals thought process. This is the driving force that causes the addict to repeat the same behaviours, patterns and mistakes time and time again. Unless this thinking can be changed, there is little hope of a full recovery.
Cognitive Behavioural therapy is a type of Psychotherapy and was originally developed and used to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It can be successfully utilised in one to ones as well as in groups
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a very effective in treating a number of mood related disorders and mental health issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Dual Diagnosis and Psychosis. It has also been proved to be successful is treating Substance Misuse issues (drug addiction and alcoholism), Process Addictions (such as Gambling, Sex and Co-dependency) and Eating Disorders. BlueSkies combine Cognitive Behavioural therapy with a number of other proven addiction and mood disorder therapies, to ensure that all aspects of each client’s individual illness and issues are appropriately and thoroughly addressed.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works by identifying and challenging negative and unhelpful thought patterns. As a solution focused therapy, it is helpful in breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller and more manageable parts. Thoughts create feelings; the human brain is extremely powerful, and in some individuals, it is focused on the negative. This creates feelings of despair, anger, anxiety, fear and hopelessness. The only way to change their feelings into more positive emotions is to change the though pattern that is responsible. This is not an easy process; most individuals have adopted a set way of thinking that has been influenced by outside people, places and experiences during their lifetime. This conditioning needs to be identified and disregarded in order to make way for more helpful thoughts and a different perspective.
BlueSkies Therapeutic Team is adept in challenging unhelpful thinking, using the CBT process, clients will begin to see the truth behind their thoughts and subsequently become open to change.
Addiction and Alcoholism is not just a substance misuse problem, it is far more complex than just putting the drink or the drug down. A lifetime of conditioned thinking is not going to change just because they aren’t using alcohol or drugs anymore. Many Alcoholics and Addicts use and drink on emotions, as they find their emotional state unmanageable and difficult to control. Stopping the alcohol or drugs is only the very beginning of the recovery process. Without addressing and changing the underlying state of mind, the individual is at extremely high risk of relapse.
It is common for addicts and alcoholics to feel that they suffer from a hopeless plight, that everyone is against them and that no one understands them. At the other extreme, they may not even feel that they have a problem and be content in their own denial. These common thought processes are highly destructive and unhelpful in achieving recovery from Addiction. Our therapists work to help each individual to see the truth; subsequently, they become more open to accepting new concepts and a more productive way of thinking. They are then encouraged to take action in making positive changes, this cements their new way of thinking, as they begin to see and feel its rewards and benefits. This change in thinking is the door to freedom from emotional bondage and active addiction. Long-term recovery requires a mind that is open to a new perception, different from their old way of viewing things.
Cognitive Behavioural therapy has been used to treat mood orders successfully for many years. This Psychotherapeutic intervention helps to stop negative thought cycles and breaks down thoughts that are causing anxiety, fear and low mood. The aim of Cognitive Behavioural therapy is to help the individual to accept responsibility for his or her own thoughts and feelings; in doing this they then have the choice to accept the thought or reject it in favour of something more positive and helpful. Â The goal is to show the individual strategies for challenging and changing their own thoughts, eventually without the help of a therapist. This enables them to apply their newfound way of thinking long after rehab treatment has finished.
It is important to remember that recovery from addiction and mood disorders is not an overnight matter; there is no quick fix. BlueSkies arm clients with the facts of their illness and a solution that they can apply to their daily lives. Ongoing and long term recovery is a process, BlueSkies ensure that their clients are equipped to be able to make the necessary changes and deal with day to day living, free from active addiction and destructive behaviours.