Frequently asked questions
FAQ's about our Resources
Do you deliver Interventions?
No. Our products and training are designed to empower staff to use CBT based resources in educational settings.
Can any member of staff use it?
Yes, our resources are prescriptive – basically guided conversations. We find that Pastoral Staff, Heads of Year, Teaching Assistants and SEN staff are the most common staff facilitators.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
CBT is a combination of Cognitive and Behavioural psychological approaches. For example; Anxiety becomes overwhelming when we become trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts. By breaking down our negative thoughts/beliefs/perceptions, we can change how we feel. This in turn changes how we behave. The CBT process teaches tools and techniques that can be used to manage our negative thought patterns. These techniques can be used throughout our lives.
Why use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Department of Health:
“CBT effectively reduces symptoms of panic and anxiety. Behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy both appear effective in treatment of obsessional problems.”
www.londoncognitivebehaviouralpsychotherapy.co.uk/downloads/treatment-choice-brief-version.pdf
Recommended by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Routinely offered by NHS for depression & anxiety.
“Research has shown cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be as effective as medication in treating some mental health problems”
“The highly structured nature of CBT means it can be provided in different formats, including in groups…”
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cognitive-behavioural-therapy/Pages/Advantages.aspx
Recommended by Department of Education (DfE) for use in schools.
Evidence it is successful for children from 6 years of age and up:
“Cognitive Behavioural Therapy appears an effective treatment for childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders in comparison to waiting list or attention control. there was no evidence for a difference between an individual, group or parental/family format”
www.capella.co.nz/sites/friendsforlife.org.nz/files/CD004690.pdf
Will it work for everyone?
CBT doesn’t work for everyone, no. CBT is said to “work for most of the people, most of the time”. However, students may have deeper issues that need further support, or they may be resistant to change.
Are there any side-effects?
One of the many benefits of CBT is that side-effects are rare. If a student doesn’t want to engage, they just won’t engage. There has been no psychoanalysis involved. We look at moving forward from where they are, not analysing the past.
Is it suitable for any school?
The programmes are designed for ALL students and is being delivered in all types of schools from Independent schools to PRU’s. Training is suitable for teaching and support staff.
Are there any repeat or ongoing costs?
You can (Subject to the user license) use our resources again and again, without any additional cost. Our low-cost annual license means that you’ll always have the most up-to-date resources, without having to re-buy everything.
Questions about CBT
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) thoughtfully combines elements from Behaviourist and Cognitive psychological approaches. At its core, CBT operates on the principle that learning to manage negative thought patterns and actively practicing positive ones can significantly enhance mental wellbeing.
It’s important to understand that CBT is a collaborative “talking” therapy. Unlike some psycho-dynamic approaches where an expert might tell you what’s wrong, CBT focuses on working together through specific processes to challenge and reframe thinking patterns.
As previously mentioned, CBT isn’t an instant solution. Lasting change requires consistent practice to form new, healthier habits as new pathways develop in the brain. This journey also involves personal responsibility; a genuine desire to change and a willingness to try new strategies are key to success.
Furthermore, adopting a “feedback, not failure” mindset is crucial. It’s natural that not every new approach will work perfectly on the first attempt. If a particular strategy doesn’t yield the desired results initially, we encourage trying a different approach or adapting the existing one. We view any missteps not as failures, but as valuable ‘feedback’ – opportunities for learning and growth, and indeed, we gather a wealth of insights from such feedback!
How effective is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) stands as one of the most effective and widely utilised therapeutic approaches, including within the NHS. A significant factor contributing to its success is its practical and forward-focused methodology.
Rather than concentrating on extensive analysis of the past, CBT focuses on understanding your current situation and collaboratively developing strategies to help you move forward positively.