CBT vs Other Therapies: Comparing Effectiveness and Approach

According to the NHS, 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 children are experiencing a diagnosable mental health difficulty at any one time in the UK. With mental health difficulties on the rise and demand for mental health services higher than ever, comparing the effectiveness of mental health treatments is imperative.

Mind estimates that 1 in 3 people with a mental health difficulty are currently accessing treatment. However, in the complex landscape of mental health treatment, individuals seeking support are faced with a range of treatment options, including several different therapeutic approaches. 

Today, we will look at one of the most popular treatment options, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), in comparison to other therapeutic treatment options.

The Landscape of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a diverse field that encompasses multiple different therapeutic approaches. Psychotherapy is designed to help individuals manage and overcome mental health challenges. These approaches range from established methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to more recent innovations, such as mindfulness-based therapies. Each therapy offers unique techniques and caters to different aspects of mental health and different outcomes.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a trained therapist or counsellor and an individual, couple, family or group seeking support for emotional or psychological difficulties. It involves the use of various therapeutic techniques and approaches to address issues such as mental health disorders, emotional distress, relationship problems and personal development.

The goal of psychotherapy is to facilitate positive change and growth by helping individuals better understand their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and relationships. Through a supportive and confidential therapeutic relationship, clients have the opportunity to explore their experiences, gain insight into their challenges, develop coping strategies and make meaningful changes in their lives. Psychotherapy can be short term or long term, depending on the nature and severity of the issues being addressed. It may focus on specific symptoms or problems, such as anxiety or depression, or it may involve more exploratory work to understand underlying patterns and issues.

What distinguishes psychotherapy from other forms of treatment is its flexibility. Psychotherapists can use a number of different approaches tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the individual. Because there is a breadth of therapeutic options available and each therapy offers unique approaches, choosing the right type of therapy is imperative. The type of therapy that will be most beneficial to you will depend on your specific difficulties, the underlying causes of your mental health issues and your therapeutic goals.

CBT in Focus

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used and empirically supported therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. At the core of CBT lies the cognitive model, which posits that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are interconnected and influence each other. According to this model, your interpretations of events, rather than the events themselves, shape your emotional reactions and behaviours. In other words, it is not the situation itself that determines how we feel and behave, but rather our thoughts about the situation.

CBT typically involves several key components:

• Cognitive restructuring
  This involves identifying and challenging any cognitive distortions or irrational thoughts that contribute to negative emotions. You will learn to evaluate the evidence for and against your thoughts, consider alternative interpretations and develop more adaptive ways of thinking.
• Behavioural activation
  You will learn to identify and modify behaviours that contribute to your distress. This may involve gradually exposing yourself to feared situations (exposure therapy) or increasing engagement in enjoyable and meaningful activities to improve mood and motivation.
• Skill Building
  CBT teaches practical coping skills and strategies to help you manage your symptoms and reduce any stressors. These may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, assertiveness training and communication skills.
• At home assignments
  Clients are encouraged to practise the skills learned in therapy between sessions. This reinforces learning and allows for the application of new strategies in real-life situations.

CBT is characterised by its structured and goal-oriented approach to therapy. Sessions are typically structured around specific goals or targets, with the therapist and client collaboratively setting treatment goals. The focus is on developing practical skills and strategies that individuals can apply in their daily lives to manage their symptoms and achieve their goals.

CBT is typically short-term focused, with a set number of sessions ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the nature and severity of your concerns. It is highly structured and evidence-based, with numerous studies supporting its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health conditions.

Overall, CBT offers a practical and empowering approach to addressing mental health difficulties by targeting the underlying thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress.

Alternative Therapeutic Approaches

In addition to cognitive behavioural therapy, there are several other psychotherapy options that have their own theoretical foundations, techniques and goals. Some of the most common alternative psychotherapy options include:

• Psychodynamic Therapy
  Key principles:
  Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that unconscious thoughts and emotions influence behaviour. Therapy sessions will focus on exploring unresolved conflicts and early life experiences to gain insight into current patterns of behaviour and relationships.Techniques:
  Psychodynamic therapists may use techniques such as free association, dream analysis and exploring the therapeutic relationship to uncover unconscious processes. The therapist serves as a guide and helps clients to explore their feelings, memories and fantasies to gain deeper self-understanding.
• Humanistic Therapy
  Key principles:
  Humanistic therapy, also known as person-centred therapy, is a holistic type of talk therapy that focuses on self-actualisation and personal growth. It aims to help people overcome any negative and disabling thoughts, beliefs and attitudes.Techniques:
  Humanistic therapists provide a supportive and non-judgemental environment where clients are encouraged to explore their feelings, values and goals. The therapist acts as a facilitator, reflecting the client’s experiences and using strategies to improve self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies
  Key principles:
  Mindfulness-based therapies combine cognitive therapy, meditation and mindfulness. They emphasise present-moment awareness, acceptance and non-judgemental observation of thoughts and feelings.Techniques:
  Mindfulness-based therapies use strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, mindful breathing exercises and body awareness to increase awareness of your thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations and help you to focus on the present moment. You will learn to observe your experiences without reacting impulsively or judgementally, which helps to improve emotional regulation and stress reduction.

Each of these alternative therapeutic approaches offers a unique perspective and set of techniques for promoting psychological well-being and personal growth. Depending on individual preferences and treatment goals, it is possible to choose to explore one or more of these approaches in collaboration with a trained therapist.

Effectiveness of CBT

CBT is recognised as an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its structured approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours, which can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and long-term well-being.

Anxiety Disorders

CBT is highly effective in treating several anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. CBT helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions and behaviours and helps them to challenge irrational worries and fears and develop coping strategies. CBT is a popular treatment choice for the following anxiety disorders:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): CBT helps individuals with GAD by identifying and challenging their excessive worry and catastrophic thinking. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and relaxation exercises can be particularly effective. CBT can help to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning.
• Social anxiety disorder: CBT for social anxiety disorder involves exposure to feared social situations and cognitive restructuring to challenge negative beliefs about social interactions. CBT can be effective in reducing symptoms and improving social skills, with lasting effects over time.
• Panic disorder: CBT addresses the fear of panic attacks and the avoidance behaviours that often accompany panic disorder. Techniques include interoceptive exposure (exposure to physical sensations of panic) and cognitive restructuring. CBT has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks and is considered a first-line treatment for panic disorder.

Depression

CBT is widely used in the treatment of depression and provides individuals with tools to combat negative thinking patterns and increase their engagement in activities that improve mood and motivation. CBT can help individuals with depression by challenging negative thought patterns and encouraging behavioural activation, for example engaging in activities that bring pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. Research has demonstrated that CBT is as effective as antidepressant medications in treating mild to moderate depression, with some studies suggesting it may have more enduring effects in preventing relapse.

CBT focuses on skill building and cognitive restructuring which equips individuals with tools to manage future depressive episodes. This contributes to sustained improvements in mood and reduces the risk of long-term difficulties, compared to those treated with medication alone. CBT can, therefore, have significant positive long-term effects.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

CBT is a highly effective treatment for PTSD. It focuses on modifying the dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours that maintain symptoms of PTSD, such as re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, hyperarousal and negative changes in a person’s thoughts and mood.

Some of the key components of CBT as a treatment option for PTSD are:

• Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT): This specific form of CBT directly addresses the memories and impact of the traumatic event. It includes techniques such as:
  – Exposure therapy: Patients are gradually exposed to trauma-related memories and triggers in a safe, controlled environment. This can help them to process, understand and reduce the distress associated with these memories.
  – Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): CPT focuses on modifying dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma. Patients learn to challenge and reframe negative thoughts about themselves and the world.
  – Prolonged exposure (PE): This involves repeated, prolonged exposure to trauma memories and stimuli, which can help individuals confront and process the trauma in a therapeutic setting.
• Stress inoculation training (SIT): SIT aims to reduce anxiety through teaching coping skills such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and positive thinking. This is particularly useful for managing PTSD symptoms by equipping individuals with the tools required to handle stress.
• Cognitive restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma, which can help reduce feelings of guilt, shame and self-blame, which are common in PTSD.
• Psychoeducation: Educating patients about PTSD, its symptoms and the impact of trauma helps normalise their experiences and reduce feelings of isolation.

Bipolar Disorder

CBT has been adapted to address the specific needs of individuals with bipolar disorder, a condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). While medication is the most common treatment option for bipolar, CBT can also play an important role in managing the condition, for example:

• Mood monitoring and regulation: CBT helps individuals with bipolar disorder track their mood changes and recognise early warning signs of mood swings. This increased awareness allows a more timely intervention to prevent full-blown manic or depressive episodes.
• Cognitive restructuring: CBT assists in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to depressive episodes. By encouraging more balanced thinking, individuals can reduce the severity and frequency of depressive symptoms.
• Behavioural strategies: CBT encourages the development of healthy routines and behaviours. For example, maintaining regular sleep patterns and engaging in structured daily activities can help stabilise mood and reduce the risk of triggering manic or depressive episodes.
• Enhancing medication adherence: CBT provides education about bipolar disorder, its symptoms and the importance of medication adherence. Understanding the nature of the disorder and how medications help manage it can improve compliance with prescribed treatment plans. It can also help address barriers to medication adherence, such as side effects, forgetfulness or negative beliefs about medication. By developing strategies to overcome these barriers, CBT can improve treatment adherence and overall stability.

Role in symptom reduction and long-term well-being:

CBT’s structured, goal-oriented approach equips individuals with practical skills to manage their symptoms and address underlying cognitive distortions. This not only leads to immediate symptom reduction but also promotes long-term psychological resilience and well-being. By learning to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, CBT can help you develop healthier thinking and behaviour patterns that contribute to sustained mental health improvements.

CBT often includes practice between sessions, which are designed to reinforce the skills learned in therapy and help you integrate these techniques into your daily lives. This hands-on approach ensures that you are actively involved in your recovery process, making the benefits of CBT long-lasting.

Approach of Other Therapies

While CBT is widely recognised for its structured, goal-oriented approach, other types of therapy offer unique perspectives and techniques tailored to individual needs, for example:

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy, rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud, focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and how past experiences, particularly early childhood events, shape current behaviour and emotions. This therapy aims to uncover and understand deep-seated, unconscious conflicts that influence a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Techniques:

• Free association: Encourages patients to speak freely about their thoughts, feelings and dreams, with the aim of revealing unconscious thoughts and beliefs.
• Dream analysis: Interprets dreams to uncover hidden desires and unresolved conflicts.
• Transference: Examines the patient’s relationship with the therapist, which reflects unconscious feelings about important figures from the patient’s past.
• Exploration of defence mechanisms: Identifies and understands defence mechanisms that protect the individual from uncomfortable emotions.

Psychodynamic therapy emphasises long-term exploration and insight and helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their interpersonal relationships. It is particularly effective for addressing complex emotional issues and personality disorders.

Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic therapy, including approaches such as person-centred therapy and gestalt therapy, focuses on promoting self-actualisation and personal growth. This modality is grounded in the belief that individuals have an inherent capacity for self-awareness and self-healing.

Techniques:

• Person-centred therapy: Provides a non-directive, empathetic and supportive environment where the therapist offers unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence (genuineness).
• Gestalt therapy: Focuses on the here and now, encouraging patients to become aware of their present experiences and take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings and actions.
• Existential therapy: Helps individuals find meaning and purpose in life by confronting existential questions and exploring values, choices and personal responsibility.

Humanistic therapy emphasises the individual’s potential for growth and self-actualisation. It aims to empower people to recognise their strengths, develop a strong sense of self and make meaningful life choices.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Mindfulness-based therapies, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), draw on Buddhist principles and practices and integrate them with contemporary psychological techniques. These therapies focus on promoting mindfulness, which involves maintaining a non-judgemental, present-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations.

Techniques:

• Mindfulness meditation: Practices such as breath awareness and body scan meditation can help create a state of mindfulness.
• Mindful movement: Incorporates gentle yoga or tai chi to enhance body awareness and mindfulness.
• Cognitive strategies: In MBCT, cognitive techniques are combined with mindfulness practices to address patterns of negative thinking, particularly for preventing relapse in depression.

Mindfulness-based therapies emphasise acceptance and non-judgemental awareness, helping individuals develop a compassionate relationship with their experiences. These therapies are particularly effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress and for promoting overall well-being and emotional regulation.

Each therapeutic approach – psychodynamic, humanistic and mindfulness-based – offers unique techniques that cater to different aspects of mental health. Psychodynamic therapy delves into the unconscious mind and past experiences, humanistic therapy promotes self-actualisation and personal growth, and mindfulness-based therapies focus on present-moment awareness and acceptance. The choice of therapy often depends on individual preferences, specific mental health needs and the desired outcomes of the treatment.

Tailored Treatment

A one-size-fits-all approach to therapy is much less likely to be successful. Tailoring therapeutic approaches to meet individual needs and preferences can result in more effective mental health treatment. Each person’s experiences and symptoms are unique and the choice between therapies such as CBT and other approaches should be guided by the specific nature of the mental health difficulty and the person’s treatment goals.

Tailored therapeutic approaches are important for several reasons, including:

• Individual differences: People vary widely in their personalities, coping styles and the types of difficulties they face. What works for one individual might not work for another. Tailoring therapy ensures that the treatment is specific to the person’s unique situation and maximises its effectiveness.
• Specific symptoms and disorders: Different mental health issues and different symptoms may respond better to certain therapies.
• Personal preferences: Some people might prefer a structured, goal-oriented approach like CBT, while others might choose a more exploratory and self-reflective therapy like humanistic therapy. Listening to a person’s preferences can enhance engagement and outcomes.
• Cultural and contextual factors: A person’s cultural background and life context can significantly influence their response to therapy. Tailoring therapy to align with cultural values and contextual realities is essential for providing culturally competent care.

When choosing whether CBT or another type of psychotherapy is most appropriate, there are several considerations you need to make:

• The nature of the mental health issue:
  – CBT: CBT is highly effective for anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and other conditions where negative thought patterns and behaviours are prominent. CBT is also useful for developing practical coping strategies and skills.
  – Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy is most beneficial for individuals seeking insight into unconscious processes and how past experiences influence current behaviour. It is an effective treatment option for personality disorders and complex emotional issues.
  – Humanistic therapy: Humanistic therapy is most suitable for those seeking personal growth, self-actualisation and a deeper understanding of their feelings and aspirations.
  – Mindfulness-based therapy: This type of therapy is most effective for stress reduction, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. These therapies help individuals develop a mindful, non-judgemental awareness of their experiences.
• Your treatment goals:
  – Symptom reduction: For those primarily focused on symptom relief, structured approaches like CBT can provide the quickest and most effective results.
  – Personal insight and growth: Individuals who are aiming to understand themselves better and explore their internal world may benefit more from psychodynamic or humanistic therapies.
  – Mindfulness and acceptance: For those looking to develop a mindful approach to life and manage stress, mindfulness-based therapies offer valuable tools.

In practice, many therapists integrate elements from different therapeutic modalities to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the complex needs of their clients. This integrative approach can be particularly effective, as it combines the strengths of various therapies to provide more comprehensive treatment.

• Blending techniques: A therapist might use CBT techniques to address immediate symptoms while also using psychodynamic techniques to gain deeper insight into the origin of a person’s difficulties.
• Flexible strategies: Tailoring therapy allows for flexibility in adapting strategies based on the client’s progress and changing needs over time.
• Enhanced engagement: When therapy is tailored to individual preferences and needs, clients are more likely to engage fully and benefit from the treatment.

The importance of tailoring therapeutic approaches to individual needs and preferences cannot be overstated. Whether choosing CBT, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy or mindfulness-based therapies, the decision should be guided by the nature of the mental health issue, treatment goals and personal preferences. By personalising therapy, mental health professionals can provide more effective and meaningful care, improving outcomes and promoting overall well-being.

Patient-Centred Care

Patient-centred care is essential in mental health and can increase the effectiveness of therapy. Patient-centred care emphasises the importance of considering the patient’s unique preferences, needs and values in all aspects of their care. When selecting a therapeutic approach, the principles of patient-centred care play an important role in ensuring that the therapy fits with the individual’s specific circumstances and goals.

Patient-centred care involves a comprehensive understanding of the patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. This means considering their psychological, social and cultural background, as well as their personal values and life experiences. 

Encouraging patients to take an active role in their treatment decisions promotes a sense of ownership and empowerment. Patients are more likely to engage and stay committed to therapy when they are involved in choosing their treatment path. Mental health professionals and patients work together to make decisions about the therapeutic approach. This collaboration ensures that the selected therapy is not only evidence-based but also tailored to the patient’s unique needs and preferences.

To effectively implement patient-centred care, open and honest communication between patients and mental health professionals is essential. Some key aspects of engaging in open discussions include:

• Exploring preferences and goals: Patients should be encouraged to communicate their treatment goals and preferences. Whether they want to reduce their symptoms, achieve certain goals or gain a deeper understanding of their mental health, their preferences and goals should guide the therapy selection process.
• Providing information: Mental health professionals should provide clear, comprehensive information about the various therapeutic options available, including their potential benefits and limitations. This helps patients make informed decisions.
• Assessing readiness and comfort: It’s important to assess the patient’s readiness and comfort with different therapeutic approaches. Some patients might prefer the structured nature of CBT, while others might feel more comfortable with the exploratory approach of psychodynamic therapy or the acceptance-oriented nature of mindfulness-based therapies.
• Adjusting as needed: Treatment plans should be flexible and adjustable based on the patient’s progress and feedback. Regular check-ins and evaluations can help ensure that the therapy remains aligned with the patient’s evolving needs and circumstances.

Patient-centred care has multiple benefits, including:

• Improved patient engagement: When patients are actively involved in their treatment decisions, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their care. This engagement leads to higher motivation and commitment to follow through with the treatment plan.
• Patient empowerment: By involving patients in the decision-making process, patient-centred care empowers them to take control of their health. This empowerment can improve self-efficacy and confidence in managing their condition.
• Improved patient satisfaction: Patients who feel heard and respected are more satisfied with their care. Patient-centred care ensures that patients’ preferences and values are considered, leading to a more positive healthcare experience.
• Builds trust: Open communication and collaboration build trust between patients and healthcare providers. Trust is crucial for effective therapeutic relationships, as it encourages patients to be open about their concerns and adhere to treatment recommendations.
• Improved health outcomes: Personalised care that aligns with patients’ unique needs and preferences often results in more effective treatments. Tailoring therapies to the individual can address specific challenges more accurately, leading to better mental health outcomes. Engaged patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, which can lead to more significant symptom reduction and overall improvement in mental health.
• Patients can make more informed decisions: Providing patients with comprehensive information about their condition and treatment options enables them to make informed decisions. Informed patients can choose treatments that are most aligned with their values and lifestyle.
• Increased autonomy: Respecting patients’ preferences and involving them in decisions supports their autonomy. This respect can enhance their sense of control over their health and well-being.
• Holistic care: Patient-centred care considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social and cultural needs. This holistic approach can address all aspects of a patient’s well-being, leading to comprehensive care.

Combined Approaches

For many people, a single therapeutic approach may not fully address all aspects of their needs. To provide the most effective care, therapists may integrate elements from different therapeutic approaches, creating a tailored treatment plan that best serves the individual. This integrative strategy utilises the strengths of different therapies to offer comprehensive and more personalised mental health support.

Combining different therapeutic techniques allows for a more holistic approach to mental health, addressing a wider range of symptoms and underlying issues. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with complex or co-occurring conditions. An integrative approach provides flexibility, allowing therapists to adapt their methods based on the patient’s progress and evolving needs. This adaptability can lead to more dynamic and responsive treatment. By drawing from multiple therapeutic approaches, therapists can equip patients with a broader set of skills and strategies. For example, combining cognitive restructuring from CBT with mindfulness techniques can help patients manage immediate symptoms while also improving long-term emotional regulation.

Some examples of combined approaches include:

• CBT and mindfulness: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an example of a combined approach that integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioural techniques. This combination helps patients become more aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment while also challenging and changing negative thought patterns.
• Psychodynamic and humanistic therapy: Some therapists integrate psychodynamic techniques, which explore unconscious processes and past experiences, with humanistic approaches that focus on personal growth and self-actualisation. This combination can help patients gain deep insights into their behaviour while also encouraging a more positive and empowered view of themselves.
• CBT and psychodynamic therapy: Known as integrative cognitive therapy, this approach uses CBT to address present-focused issues and symptom management, while incorporating psychodynamic principles to explore and resolve deeper emotional conflicts and patterns rooted in past experiences.
• Humanistic and behavioural therapies: Integrating humanistic approaches, which emphasise personal growth and self-acceptance, with behavioural techniques that focus on changing maladaptive behaviours, can offer a balanced treatment that supports both emotional and behavioural change.

The first step in creating a combined approach is a thorough assessment of the patient’s individual needs, preferences and treatment goals. This assessment helps determine which elements of various therapies will be most beneficial. Involving the patient in the planning process ensures that the treatment plan aligns with their values and preferences. This collaboration encourages greater engagement and commitment to the therapy. Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the combined approach allows for adjustments and refinements. This ensures that the treatment remains effective and responsive to the patient’s changing needs.

Integrating elements from different therapeutic approaches can enhance the effectiveness of treatment by addressing the multifaceted nature of mental health issues. By combining techniques from CBT, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, mindfulness-based therapies and more, therapists can create tailored treatment plans that are flexible, comprehensive and personalised. This integrative approach also empowers patients to engage in a therapeutic process that is uniquely suited to their individual needs and goals.

Conclusion

The landscape of psychotherapy offers a diverse array of therapeutic approaches, each with its unique strengths and methodologies. CBT stands out for its structured, goal-oriented approach which can effectively address a wide range of mental health conditions by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. However, alternative therapies such as psychodynamic, humanistic and mindfulness-based approaches offer different pathways to mental health, focusing on unconscious processes, personal growth and present-moment awareness.

The effectiveness of these therapies can vary based on the individual’s specific needs, preferences and mental health issues. CBT has a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder, by providing practical tools for symptom management and long-term well-being. On the other hand, other therapies offer valuable insights and growth opportunities that might be more suitable for certain individuals depending on their personal and psychological context.

Tailoring the therapeutic approach to the individual is essential. The choice between CBT and other therapies often depends on the nature of the mental health issue, the goals of treatment and the patient’s personal preferences. Patient-centred care emphasises the importance of involving individuals in their treatment decisions, creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship. Additionally combining elements from different therapeutic approaches can provide a holistic and flexible treatment plan, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of therapy. Integrative strategies allow therapists to adapt to the evolving needs of their patients and ensure comprehensive and personalised care.

In conclusion, choosing between CBT and other therapies is a highly individualised decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. By prioritising patient-centred care and remaining open to integrative therapeutic approaches, mental health professionals can better support their patients in achieving meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health and well-being.