Our thoughts, feelings and behaviours-A brief introduction to cognitive behavioural theory
“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way”
The Jewish psychologist and neurologist Viktor Frankl, illustrates above one fundamental learning principle. That is in any situation, no matter how extreme, we ourselves ultimately determine how we react to every event in our lives.
Between any situation and human behaviour there is space and time. Within this space we interpret and consequentially feel a certain way about a situation. Eventually these feelings determine our behaviour. We have hundreds of thoughts every day, they are automatic and we rarely notice them. Thoughts are important as they determine our subsequent feelings. Alternatively, our feelings are our emotional reactions to situations and these motivate our behaviours. The behaviours we choose are important as they direct our future thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
The diagram on the opposite page illustrates this relationship and how we can react to a certain life situation in both a negative and positive way.
This model is called the cognitive behavioural model. In life, we will experience many situations. As most of the situations we face are neutral, it is our pattern of thinking that gives meaning to that situation. When we interpret a situation as negative that will create a negative thought and subsequently a negative feeling and behaviour. The same can be said if we interpret a situation positively, we will have positive thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) challenges people to consider alternative ways of thinking in order to encourage more helpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It has been proven to be very effective in treating many disorders, including: depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic attacks, eating disorders, anger issues, drug and alcohol misuse and phobias, to mention a few. CBT can be used by everyone in their everyday life.
Understanding CBT can take time and learning from CBT is best achieved experientially. If you are interested in CBT check it out online or if you feel you could benefit from some CBT sessions speak with your local counsellor.