Cognitive-affective therapy is a counselling method that steers clear of childhood or past behaviour but rather focuses on an individual’s present thoughts of life. Cognitive-Affective Therapy, often known as CAT, is a therapeutic technique that targets both cognitive (thought) and affective (emotional) aspects of addiction. It aims to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to addiction.

In CAT, therapists work with you to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to addictive behaviors. By recognising and questioning these thoughts, you can gain a better understanding of how they influence your actions and make positive changes.

CAT is a therapy method with at least 21 sessions across four stages, focusing on improving emotional, cognitive and interpersonal skills. It uses education, behavioural strategies and skill building to stop harmful behaviors related to addictions. The process includes building a strong therapist-patient relationship, teaching patients to manage eating habits and impulses, identifying and changing triggers for unhealthy behaviours and reinforcing progress to end treatment. CAT emphasises active engagement, collaboration and practical exercises to help patients cope better and live without eating disorder behaviors.

The therapy also addresses the emotional component of addiction. It explores how your emotions may drive or be affected by addictive behaviors. By examining the underlying emotions and learning healthy coping mechanisms, you can develop strategies to manage your emotions without resorting to addictive substances or behaviors.

Cognitive Affective Therapy is often used in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches. It can be delivered in individual or group sessions, depending on your treatment plan.

The history of CAT traces back to the 1970s when it was initially developed to treat depression. Over time, therapists recognised its benefits in addressing addiction and integrated it into addiction treatment programs.

In the addiction recovery community, CAT has gained recognition for its holistic approach. It acknowledges that addiction goes beyond physical dependence, involving complex psychological and emotional factors. By targeting these aspects, CAT helps individuals make long-lasting changes to support their recovery.

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