The simplest way to explain CBT is pictured in the graphic below[LB1] : What you think and do affect how you feel:

PLACEHOLDER FOR GRAPHIC

However, thinking, feeling, and doing all happen in your body. They all have physiological changes in the brain or muscles related to them. So really, the CBT model is a little more complex.

CBT helps us understand patterns where we get “stuck” in an unhelpful pattern related to the four boxes above. If we understand this, we can change our thinking and/or behaviors to help us to feel better. There are many aspects of cancer where we can get stuck in patterns. The thoughts and actions don’t change the realities of cancer, but they change how we cope. Ask yourself, if I thought or acted differently, could I feel better?

CBT has shown to be effective in improving cancer related distress. Your Iris Mental Health Therapist can help you learn more about how CBT could help you.