Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: What Is It and Who Can It Help?

Running head: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
The role of cognitive-behavioural therapy in mental health nursing
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COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY 1
Introduction
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a systematic and goal-oriented method of
psychotherapy to treat mental health patients representing emotional, cognitive or behavioral
breakdown (Fisher, 2014). The objectives of the paper include discussing the role of CBT in
current mental health nursing practices and elaborating the relevance of CBT in
contemporary mental health nursing.
CBT in mental health nursing
CBT has been an essential method of practice actively used in mental health care for several
years. Mental health nursing professionals use various sub-techniques of CBT which include
dialectal behavior therapy, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment theories (Langer et
al., 2017). It develops a therapeutic relationship between the patient and the mental health
nurse, which is useful in addressing the needs of the patients more closely (Fortinash &
Worret, 2014).
The relevance of CBT to professional nursing practices is confirmed by extensive available
evidence that CBT is an essential element in mental health nursing practices. Patients also
report that the behavioral, intellectual and problem-solving domains of CBT improve their
long-term quality of life (Knapen et al., 2015). CBT also lowers the risks and adversities
faced by mental health nurses in acute patient care units (Hofmann, Wu & Boettcher, 2014).
The relevance of CBT to clinical interventions is reported in several studies that CBT adds
value to the conventional pharmacotherapy treatment of mental diseases. Some clinical trials
also suggest that cognitive and behavioral approaches are equally effective as medications in

2COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
the majority of the adults. Recently, clinical treatment of mental health care involves a
combination of both CBT and medications (Lopez & Basco, 2015).
The relevance of CBT to reflectiveness in practice can be seen in its usefulness in providing
support to patients with various physical and mental health conditions. CBT in personal
nursing practices has demonstrated an increase in the overall capacity of the patient to cope
with mental illness and recovery more rapidly. One of the major limitations of CBT in
personal practices of mental health nursing involves the gaps in the required expertise and
knowledge to successfully apply CBT in practice.
The relevance of CBT to the broader education is evident in teaching the patients the
strategies and approaches of CBT helps them deal with similar circumstances in future and
develop a healthy and positive outlook towards the mental condition (Lazaridou et al., 2017).
It includes teaching the patient social skills, dietary interventions, training for the family and
caregivers. The relevance of CBT in mental health promotion has been observed by acquiring
emotional and social competencies and skills that protect against several external and internal
causes of mental illnesses and facilitates positive growth and emotional well-being (Min, Lee
& Lee, 2013).
Conclusion
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) serves as a well-accepted approach to treatment for a
variety of mental disorders. The principles and approaches of CBT provide far-reaching
scope and benefits to mental health nursing. CBT is an essential element and of high
relevance in the practices of mental health nursing. The growth of CBT is exponential and
offers enormous choices and well-being strategies to the nursing professionals.

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