CBT Behavioural Activation For Depression
Depression is a condition which envelops a person with persistent and prolonged feelings of extreme sorrow or helplessness.
Everyone will experience depression in different ways, but the common link with depression is that many sufferers experience negative changes in their behaviour.
These behavioural changes can lead to a reduction in activity levels, disengagement from their everyday routines or an increased feeling of isolation. As a result, the level of depression can deepen and the person can find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle they do not feel able to break free from.
Change your behaviour to change your emotions
Behavioural activation is an evidence-based form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) designed to treat depression. It focuses on the link between an individual’s behaviour and emotions, and how increasing activity and positive behaviours can combat depression.
By increasing motivation levels, a person is more likely to participate in activities that are pleasurable to them and therefore lift them from a cloud of depression.
A qualified behavioural activation therapist will encourage depressed individuals to slowly increase their participation in activities they previously enjoyed or develop an interest in new activities to boost their mood levels. As engagement levels increase, the sadness and isolation the person was experiencing will decrease.
In the initial stages of treatment it may be something as simple as taking a bath or going for a short walk, which gradually builds up to more challenging tasks such as improving relationships with family and friends or going back to work on a part-time basis.
A qualified CBT therapist will teach their client how to monitor their activities and learn which ones they enjoy and which ones they do not. This monitoring is an effective way to identify behavioural patterns such as avoidance and build on the activities that improve their client’s mood and outlook on life.
Behavioural activation therapists will also help their clients manage any difficult emotions that may arise from the activities so they can continue to work towards their goals and escape from their debilitating depression.
How we can help
At Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions we have proven experience in analysing and evaluating our clients behaviours. We can then define a behavioural activation treatment plan that will help clients to achieve a happier outlook on life with empowerment, self-growth and positive change.
