Cognitive Therapy
A therapy using ideas and concepts to teach a person how to change and manage their thinking to improve their emotional state, mood, attitude and behaviour.
Cognitive therapy is the idea that the way we feel and behave is determined by our thoughts. Through a powerful process of breaking down an episode in our life, which was emotional (e.g. sad feelings), into thoughts, sensations and coping behaviours, permits us to change the cycle of our negative, unhealthy or destructive thoughts and behaviours.
Cognitive therapy for autism and other developmental problems is adapted and begins with 'emotional regulation' training. In other words, teaching a child common emotions (e.g. happy, anger, sad, worried) and how we think when we feel that way, and how to identify if we are feeling that way. Education and training empowers the child to change the way they feel, and to cope better under stressful situations e.g. being bullied.
We used evidence-informed or widely-used programs or packages, including Westmead Feelings Program, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and TEAM-CBT.
