[Eleny]

I went to see a CBT therapist recently for the first time but I also feel I need long term therapy in addition to CBT. I asked her if she could provide long term talk therapy once the CBT if finished, and she told me that she could as her degree is in counselling and psychotherapy and her masters is in CBT, so she is qualified to do both. She seems highly qualified and also teaches CBT to therapists who are learning. I found her warm and clicked with her too which was great because I've been finding it so hard to find the right T.

I keep thinking though, if her specialty is CBT, would she be as good at the talk therapy side of things as a Psychotherapist who does pure talk therapy everyday?

It's been playing on my mind non stop so I'm just wondering what peoples thoughts were. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

That actually sounds really good. My therapists was very able to do both CBT and talk therapy, and the combination, that more eclectic approach, was extremely effective for me.

[Eleny]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

That actually sounds really good. My therapists was very able to do both CBT and talk therapy, and the combination, that more eclectic approach, was extremely effective for me.

That sounds great.

I think I just felt a little overwhelmed by it, not knowing where to start. We were talking about practical steps for anxiety but all I wanted to do was talk about how sad I am and have a cry, so it was confusing for me!

Originally Posted by Eleny

That sounds great.


I think I just felt a little overwhelmed by it, not knowing where to start. We were talking about practical steps for anxiety but all I wanted to do was talk about how sad I am and have a cry, so it was confusing for me!

It sounds as though perhaps you just telling your t that you needed to just talk and cry would be a good place to start. I find CBT therapists are too eager to try and change your behaviours and reactions before even knowing the whys behind why we do what we do. Sometimes we need our defences.

[LonesomeTonight]

My T has been trained in both, too. I was doing more CBT with her at first for anxiety/panic, but then it's shifted to be mostly talk therapy. I think it's good that your T is able to do both, and if you feel a connection to her, then I'd stick with her and see how it goes.

[stopdog]

I like trying out several then choosing. That way I have a sense of the sorts to choose from.

My CBT included a lot of talk therapy too

[luvnola]

My current t is a psychotherapist with certification in CBT and DBT and is also CEDS (eating disorder specialist). I've had other ts who had additional training and certifications in CBT and/or other specialties as well. Seems common in my experience.

[Lauliza]

My last T was certified in DBT and CBT but we only did both of those for a short time. The bulk of my therapy was talk therapy. I also think this is fairly common practice unless the therapist specifically says otherwise.