It’s summer, but I still feel rubbish ! How can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) help me?

Posted by Fiona Gavine on the 15th August 2014

An interesting blog from Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) Fiona Potter-Irwin.

If you are suffering from symptoms like this, contact us. 

With all the glorious sunshine during the holiday season it seems a strange time of year to be thinking about our state of mind – of course everyone’s happy, aren’t they? Well actually no, this can be a difficult time of year for many people who see others out enjoying themselves while they’re not feeling good at all.

If you’re feeling depressed, anxious or just plain fed up with the way things are in your life just now, then CBT could help by looking at how you react to the situation you’re in, and by changing that reaction transform the way you feel about it, which in turn allows for changing the situation.

For example for many of us just the thought of wearing summer clothes or a swimsuit can be a problem, especially if the way you think about yourself and your body image is quite negative. I read a quote from the model Jasmin Le Bon in the paper today which made me think about this.

She says: “After spending 33 years on the modelling circuit I have heard all the tricks of the trade. But the best advice I’ve received on looking your best in a swimsuit is to wear it with confidence and a smile; it instantly changes your appearance”.

This really sums up the CBT approach. With the help of the therapist we can become aware of our negative self-beliefs and why we think this way. Then we can change these thoughts to something more positive, which in turn, builds self-confidence and improves our self-image. If you think you look good you project that, and your confidence automatically improves. Try it!

CBT therapy is offered at One Allan Park Wellbeing Clinic by Dr Liza Morton and Dr Aine Lombard. Call on 01786 359 188 to arrange an appointment, or e-mail us at info@oneallanpark.co.uk.