CBT Essentials Part 8

Welcome to the eighth instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  This is the final blog within the series and fittingly it’s all about ending therapy.

So, how do you know when it’s time to end therapy?  The key sign is that the problem which brought you to treatment isn’t impacting your day to day life to the same degree anymore.  You should feel that you have learned ways of dealing with the problem and have a renewed confidence in your ability to cope. 

As with all stages of treatment the ending should be a collaboration with your therapist.  If you’re starting to feel like things are drawing to a close then it’s helpful to review the goals which you set at the start of treatment.  Also, take a look at those mood questionnaires, do these suggest improvements in your symptoms?

It’s a good idea to take some time to reflect on your treatment and draw up a ‘relapse prevention plan’ with your therapist.  This might cover things such as what you’ve achieved, what you’ve learned, what you need to keep doing and how to cope if any symptoms return.

Make sure that you celebrate your achievements and take credit for the effort you’ve put in to treatment.  You might also like to give your therapist some feedback on what the experience has been like for you.

There is likely to be a mix of emotions as you bring treatment to a close.  Sometimes people find it helps to gradually decrease the frequency of their sessions or to book in occasional ‘top-up’ sessions.  Ask your therapist if this is something which they are able to offer and if it would be helpful for you.

I often suggest to schedule in review time for yourself in the coming weeks/months.  Almost like having an appointment with yourself if you like.  This is an opportunity to check in on how you’re doing with continuing to apply what you learned in treatment, review your goals and set new ones.  It’s similar to having attended the gym with an Personal Trainer and then going it alone!

Ideally, you should leave treatment feeling like you know how to be your own therapist.  If I’ve put myself out of a job, then I’m happy!

I hope you’ve enjoyed ‘CBT Essentials’ and that you now have a better understanding of what to expect from CBT and how to get the most out of it. The complete mini-series is available on my website and includes: agenda setting, mood questionnaires, goal setting, homework, formulation, therapeutic relationship, and getting the most from CBT. Please share via your Social Media platforms.