NECBT's Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

NECBT's I-CBT can help patients to  improve relationships.

In last week's post we discussed the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as how it differs from what we might usually think of when hear the word  "therapy." This week, we are taking a look at the type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that we utilize at New England Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or I-CBT.

To briefly recap, CBT is a problem-solving, action-oriented therapy which has been found to be a highly effective form of treatment for anxiety and depression, as well as many other disorders, such as OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. Preceding every single feeling we have or action we take is a deep-rooted thought in our minds. The human brain is biologically wired to respond to a stimulus by first thinking, then feeling, and finally responding, through action or behavior. When we change our thoughts, then naturally our feelings and actions will also change.

Interpersonal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an innovative form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, developed by NECBT founder and American Psychotherapist Thomas Cordier. The “I” in I-CBT originates from Cordier’s belief that an interpersonal relationship built on trust and rapport is necessary to unravel a patient’s irrational thinking and challenge a patient’s fundamental belief system. Supported by the patient-therapist relationship, I-CBT is taught as a hybrid of fundamental CBT principles and Emotional Intelligence.

At NECBT, we believe that learning and improving Emotional Intelligence can result in more meaningful interactions with those around us. In consequence, we can better achieve our goals with the help of the individuals around us, while also helping others. Emotional Intelligence can help us to improve our already existing relationships and form new bonds with others. We find that Emotional Intelligence is key in overcoming many Mental Health disorders, and is also an important element of the "Interpersonal" aspect of I-CBT.

(To learn more about Emotional Intelligence, we recommend the work of Daniel Goleman, the foremost authority on the subject.)

NECBT therapists apply I-CBT treatment by guiding patients through a step-by-step manual, developed by Thomas Cordier, that supports the core principles of I-CBT. Skills that patients learn in session are reinforced through homework assignments. Patients learn therapeutic skills and techniques to help them cope when symptoms arise.

We use weekly validated testing at NECBT to both measure and monitor patient progress. Once both the patient and therapist are satisfied with the progress that has been made, the patient is “graduated” from I-CBT treatment. For many, successful completion of treatment occurs within 16-18 weeks. Sometimes patients return for the occasional session to check in or get what we like to think of as a “tune up.” On the whole, though, most patients find that the skills they learn in I-CBT are life-changing, and may not need to return once they have graduated.

As always, if you would like to learn more about CBT or I-CBT, please call our office at (860) 430-5515. We are always happy to answer questions, and can get patients into treatment quickly.